MAJOR JAY THOMAS AUBIN
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you   from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the
consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave   you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be  yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

         Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

         A. Lincoln