Centralia Ills May 1/65    Mr. J. G. Burggraf    Dear Sir     I owe you  an apology for this long  delay in writing you, but  it has not been because you  -have- are forgotten, but only  for want of time. I have   been busy early and late, and  have hardly had time to  answer correspondence.  Nic   s letter is unanswered,  but he will excuse me,  now that I have seen  him. I think of you  daily, and the Soldiers of  the 49th and would love  dearly to make them a   visit, but must defer it      
        inside     left  for the present. I have   been to your house  different times since I   came home, and see   you wife and children  often. They were well  the last time I saw them.  I am thinking that this  war is near to an end and  you, with many  others will   be permitted to return to your  families. Our country is  called to mourn for the  slain in this dreadful  war, and more especially  for our beloved President  who has, I must say, executed  his office the past four years  in the spirit of the gospel.   Gods ways, are indeed  mysterious, Let us humbly  bow before him, in this  our great bereavement  inside     right  and ask that He will guide  our Ship of State during our  National struggle. Please  remember me to the Chaplain  and any who may inquire  Say to the Adjt that his  Brouther Charles came here  Saturday last, and left  last eve for Salem. He  will probably return here  soon. Say to Nic that  I have let Prince out, to  feed for a few days past,  and tomight he forgot  to come up for his corn.  I shall saddle