The letter indicates that Abell and the 6th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry are camped near New Creek, Virginia, and will soon join General John C. Fremont's army to fight in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862.
Henry's military records state he was born about 1840 in Bazetta Township, Ohio, enlisted on April 27, 1861, became an officer in 1866, remained in service until 1870 and died September 14, 1883.
Camp Pessy?, New Creek, Virginina
May the 30th 1862
Dear Sister
I received your letter while I was in Camp Carlisle but thought that I would not answer for a few days and as I have a little time this morning will write a few lines informing you that I am well. We came here yesterday to this place New Creek about 180 miles from Wheeling B & O Ohio Railroad in a very pleasant little valley with about 20 or 30 houses it is an exception to the country generally it is surrounded by large mountains. We expected to move on today but cannot say for certain there was a detail of 20 and one sent from our camp this morning I was in hopes that I would be the Lieutenant but Bettes (?) is going It is for scouting only cannot see how far I will get I will get a chance next time we will see plenty of fun here now as we are among them I guess if not if not we will be in a day or two Fremont is advancing on I expect some of our men are with him. My horse is well and looks most splendid he is about one forth larger than when I left Warren I have got a nice saddle but I must close for the present I am writing in Maj Stedman's tent there is five or six men here talking so much that I cannot write so that I can read it my self Direct your letters to Wheeling 6th O V Cavalry to follow this Reg.
Lieutenant H. H. Abell Co L
