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Brady Koontz is riding about again as well apparently as ever - they say he has not drunk any for a month - much love to you all dear Johnny - God help you and all yours as well as your affectionate and devoted Mother, perhaps I may add a little tomorrow as this cannot go until next day - Sunday

Word comes that the battle is raging, and Dick Coulter of Greensburg Killed - was he your friend or Uncle Val's - he went to the Mexican War and was brought home crazy if it be the one I mean but I get you & Val mixed up did you ever read any thing official so mean and silly as Lincoln's address to the Colored delegation - I blush for my government every time I think of it - poor old man  - I wish he had strength to come out boldly for the right - I think he will - he cannot  such? a pressure? long - perhaps 'tis safest for the country to have a head so exceedingly conservative - but it costs mighty dear -