Memphis Tennessee   December 15th 1863  Dear Eliza  As I have an opportunity to sent a few lines by hand I thaught  I would do so Frank  J.  Burrows arrived here day before yesterday and give me the  likeniss of lizza and the apples thay ware very welcom for I wanted to see her likeniss very much and I would like to see the boys but perhaps it would cost too much to get them Camp G. went to alten with prissners again I tryed to go with them but could not make the trip Col Bishop would not let me to  if Col Pease had bin here I think I shold have went but I think thair will be a  chance sometime for me to go I wish I  could come and spend Crismas and new year with you and as I cant come I wish you 
        you would make the children sam pressents for me I cant sent them any thing from here wevery thing is so much higher here then it is with you and not only that but I have no muny to get my thing with I have 7 dollers lent out but cant get it now perhaps not before next pay day so no more at pressent I hope this m-g-ay find you all well as this leaves me and I thank you for the aples you sent me your affectionate husband  J. G. Burggraf