I just recently started reading the biography "John Adams" by David McCollough and I've been so struck by the love that the former president and his bride Abigail had for each other. The reason we can witness this love today is through the countless letters they shared with each other. As Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I thought I'd share some inspiration for talking pen to paper this season and pouring your heart out to the ones you love. I promise you that a sincere note from a loved one is bound to be passed down.
Major Sullivan Ballou's letter to his wife Sarah penned days before he perished at the Battle of Bull Run, 1861.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless. It seems to bind me with mighty cables, that nothing but Omnipotence can break; and yet, my love of country comes over me like a strong wind, and bears me irresistibly on with all those chains, to the battlefield. The memories of all the blissful moments I have spent with you come crowding over me, and I feel most deeply grateful to God and you, that I have enjoyed them so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up, and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our boys grow up to honorable manhood around us. [...]
But, O Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth, and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you in the garish day, and the darkest night amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours always, always, and, if the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air cools your throbbing temples, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dear; think I am gone, and wait for me, for we shall meet again.
Napoleon to Josephine. 1790's
A few days ago I thought I loved you; but since I last saw you I feel I love you a thousand times more. All the time I have known you, I adore you more each day; that just shows how wrong was La Bruyére’s maxim that love comes all at once. Everything in nature has its own life and different stages of growth. I beg you, let me see some of your faults: be less beautiful, less graceful, less kind, less good…
Abigail Adams to her husband John Adams. While he was in Philadelphia as a member of the First Continental Congress. October 16,1774.
I dare not express to you at 300 miles how ardently I long for your return. The idea plays about my heart and awakens all the tender sentiments that years have increased and matured.
Isabele Allende. Letters to her dying daughter in her memoir Paula.
What is there on the other side of life? Only night silence and solitude? What remains when there are no more desires or memories or hope? What is there in death? If I could be still, without speaking or thinking, without begging, crying, remembering, hoping, if I could submerse myself in the most absolute silence, then perhaps I could hear you, my dearest daughter.