The following brief letter was written by Pvt. John L. Henry who mustered into Co. K (later transferred to Co. I) of the 123rd Ohio Volunteer. Infantry (OVI) in September 1862. Joining him in the same company was his older brother William B. Henry. The letter was penned in Winchester, Virginia, where the regiment was garrisoned under the command of Gen. Milroy from early March until June 1863 when they were attacked by Gen. Ewell’s columns in the 2nd Battle of Winchester on 13 June. After fighting two days, Milroy abandoned his fortifications and retreated but more than 2400 Federals were taken prisoner. For the Henry brothers and the 123rd OVI, the 2nd Battle of Winchester was their first engagement. William was wounded on the 15th and died on the 18th at Winchester. John was taken prisoner on the 15th and paroled a month later. He survived the war, mustering out at Camp Chase on 12 June 1865.

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Camp at Winchester, Va.
May 28th 1863

Dear Brother,

I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am well, fat and hearty, hoping that these few lines may find you and all the rest the same. Further, I will let you know that I received your letter dated May the 17th 1863 and was glad to hear that you was all well.

The weather is nice. We had some very hot days here. We have plenty of duty to do here. We are on duty nearly every day. We are scouting and working on the fortifications and on picket. William is well and hearty.

Nothing more at present. Please write soon. Direct to Camp Winchester, Va., Co. I, 123rd Regt. O. V. I.