Beautiful Love Letters
Ranked #1,076 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #48,406 overall
Letters That Express Love Through the Ages
Sullivan Ballou Letter to Wife Sarah
Very Touching
Ballou married Sarah Hunt Shumway on October 15, 1855. They had two sons, Edgar and William. In his letter to his wife, Ballou attempted to crystallize the emotions he was feeling: worry, fear, guilt, sadness and, most importantly, the pull between his love for her and his sense of duty.The letter was featured prominently in the Ken Burns documentary The Civil War, where it was paired with Jay Ungar's musical piece "Ashokan Farewell" and read by Paul Roebling. However, the documentary featured a shortened version of the letter, which did not contain many of Ballou's personal references to his family and his upbringing. It has been difficult to identify which of the several extant versions is closest to the one he actually sent, as the original seems not to have survived.The following is an extended version:
" July the 14th, 1861
Washington D.C.
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days-perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure-and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing-perfectly willing-to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows-when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children-is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?
I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death-and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.
I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And 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 sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me-perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar-that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
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 in the darkest night-amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours-always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Sullivan
"
The letter may never have been mailed. It was reclaimed and delivered to Ballou's widow by Governor William Sprague, either after Sprague had traveled to Virginia to reclaim the effects of dead Rhode Island soldiers, or from Camp Sprague in Washington, D.C.
President Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan
Aboard Air Force OneMarch 4 1983
Dear First Lady
I know tradition has it that on this morning I place cards Happy Anniversary cards on your breakfast tray. But things are somewhat mixed up. I substituted a gift & delivered it a few weeks ago.
Still this is the day, the day that marks 31 years of such happiness as comes to few men. I told you once that it was like an adolescent's dream of what marriage should be like. That hasn't changed.
You know I love the ranch but these last two days made it plain I only love it when you are there. Come to think of it that's true of every place & every time. When you aren't there I'm no place, just lost in time & space.
I more than love you, I'm not whole without you. You are life itself to me. When you are gone I'm waiting for you to return so I can start living again.
Happy Anniversary & thank you for 31 wonderful years.
I love you
Your Grateful Husband
Pat Boone Sings~Love Letters in the Sand
John and Abigail Adams
Abigail and John AdamsA half-century love affair during the Revolutionary War
Although she lived at a time when many women were not educated, Abigail Adams learned to read, developing an appreciation of current events. Her intellect attracted her to a young lawyer, John Adams, and they were married in 1764. It was an intellectual and romantic relationship that would last for more than 50 years.
The Revolutionary War and other events often forced Adams to be away from home for long periods of time, so they wrote each other long affectionate letters.
When she did join her husband, on diplomatic missions to Paris and London, and later in Washington, DC, Abigail was a valued partner, entertaining with style and observing people with interest.
In 1801 the Adamses left the White House and retired to their farm in Quincy, Massachusetts, where they remained in contented companionship, for the next 17 years.
Love Letters of John and Abigail Adams
My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams
Amazon Price: $11.50 (as of 05/26/2012)![]()
Both Abigail and John Adams decried long separations during their marriage (while acknowledging them as necessary for the greater public good), but the unintended legacy of such trials were the thoughtful, loving, and literate letters exchanged by the couple that open a window on the birth and early years of our republic ... This is a treasure, for general readers and scholars alike.
--Michele Leber (Booklist 20071119)
[The letters] provide valuable insights into the early days of partisan politics...The Adamses' correspondence gives modern Americans an extraordinarily personal view of our country's founding. Intermingled with comments on the great events of the day--the Battle of Bunker Hill, the vote for independence, the inauguration of Washington as president--are discussions of daily life, stories of neighbors and relatives, complaints about the high cost of living and laments over such family tragedies as a stillborn daughter and the deaths of parents. Their courtship letters are especially delightful.
--Mary Beth Norton (New York Times Book Review 20071120)
Love Letters
Save your love letters tied in a satin bow! You will have them to read years later. From the Desk of the Author of "Little Women".

"I am in the garret with my papers round me, and a pile of apples to eat while I write my journal, plan stories, and enjoy the patter of rain on the roof, in peace and quiet".
~Louisa May Alcott's Journal-April 1855
Lady Writing With Quill Pen Poster Print
Lettering Sentiments...
Sterling Silver Ball Point Pen
Ballpoint Pen,w/14k Gold-plated Trim,stainless Steel Barrel
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Sonnet Collection Ballpoint Pen, Medium Point, Stainless Steel/Gold Textured tungsten carbide ball writes skip-free even on glossy or coated papers. Ergonomic profile and balance, perfectly weighted for writing comfort. Smooth one-handed twist mechanism with oil-cushioned, auto-retract feature for easy access. Includes gi
Slate Blue Medium Fountain Pen
Parker Latitude Fine Writing Medium Point Fountain Pen, 1 Black Ink, Slate Blue Barrel Pen(61940)
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Latitude pen features a circular pattern created over four successive coats of lacquer over a stainless steel base for added elegance. Offers a simple metal clip design and stylish cigar-shaped profile. Fountain pen includes smooth, rigid gently curving steel nibs.
Ink
Noodler's Bottle 1 ounce Refill - Bulletproof Luxury Blue 19180
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* Fountain Pen Ink
* Blue
* Bullet Proof - Eternal
* Fraud-Proof
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Quill Pens
Writer's Journal
Romantic Stickers to Add to Your Letters
For Lovers
Charcoal Fountain Pen
Lamy Safari Fountain Pen - Charcoal - Fine
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Originally designed for school kids, adult consumers picked up the Safari and found its comfortable feel to be the perfect fit in their world. Extremely hard-wearing ABS plastic has two side mouldings for easy grip, and the barrels flat sides prevent it from slipping off your desk. Non-traditional rich grey color makes it stand out among the rest.
Blue Fountain Pen Kit
Waterman Phileas Blue Fountain Pen Kit - 99702WC
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* Fountain Pen with medium nib
* Waterman ink bottle (black)
* Waterman ink cartridges (2 black 1 blue 1 red 1 green)
* Waterman converter
* Blotter paper
* Cleaning cloth
* How to Write with a Fountain Pen booklet
Bottled Fountain Pen Ink Black
Ink For Your Fountain Pens
More Ink
Assorted Rolling Ball Ink pens
Pilot Precise V5 Stick Rolling Ball Pen, Micro Point, 7 Assorted Barrel/Ink Colors, 7 per Pack (26015)
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The Art of Letter Writing
Blank Journal For Your Written Thoughts
Any More Love Letters You Know Of?
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KarleenMurray
Apr 11, 2011 @ 5:24 pm | delete
- Thank you for writing this lens. Very romantic. I have a series of wedding anniversary gift guides and I have more your lens a featured lens on my lenses. I think they compliment each other very nicely. Thank you.
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marketmasterpro
Jan 31, 2011 @ 3:26 pm | delete
- So Beautiful. I love Ronald Reagan's love for his wife. It is such an authentic letter. Not just words. Great lens!
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jonart
Jan 11, 2011 @ 1:04 am | delete
- Nice lens. I have a trunk full of letters written between my great grandparents at the turn of the century. They are written in that thick and thin graceful script...he was working as an engineer on the railroad being built in California and she was a teacher in Southern California. In the same trunk there are letters between my mom and dad in the 40's - he was in the National Guard and she was a housewife at home. Great stuff to read :)
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sukkran Nov 12, 2010 @ 6:58 am | delete
- very interesting read. well presented lens
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clemency
May 8, 2010 @ 5:06 am | delete
- Lovely lens. There's no better way to keep romance alive than with a hand written letter, it means so much. 5*****
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MomwithAHook
Mar 18, 2010 @ 8:15 am | delete
- Love Letters and 'Love Letters' are the best. My husband and I wrote letters for one year before we got married. It's how we got to know each other. f:)
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audreylai
Feb 27, 2010 @ 11:16 pm | delete
- Never knew Ronald Reagan is such a romantic man. His letter to his wife is a short one, but full of meaning and so sweet, even after more than 30 years together!
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jgelien Nov 24, 2009 @ 9:57 am | delete
- I am misty-eyed reading these tender expressions of love. Lovely lens.5*****
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Jun 2, 2009 @ 6:08 am | delete
- What a beautiful lens! Well done! 5*
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seashell2
Apr 25, 2009 @ 4:13 pm | delete
- Beautiful lens! I really enjoyed reading through it! 5*s!
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JaguarJulie Feb 1, 2009 @ 10:30 am | delete
- What a loving piece of history -- I wonder how computers, email and the internet will impact future history of love letters?
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lynnasafriend Dec 29, 2008 @ 2:11 pm | delete
- I love the love letter to Nancy Reagan. Sometimes it's had for us to think that a president can be so loving at times.
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JESUS Said:
Love one another, as I have loved you.
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Index of Contents
- Sullivan Ballou Letter to Wife Sarah
- President Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan
- Pat Boone Sings~Love Letters in the Sand
- John and Abigail Adams
- Love Letters of John and Abigail Adams
- Love Letters
- From the Desk of the Author of "Little Women".
- Famous Romantic Love Letters
- Lady Writing With Quill Pen Poster Print
- A Glimpse of True Love
- Lettering Sentiments...
- Sterling Silver Ball Point Pen
- Slate Blue Medium Fountain Pen
- Ink
- Quill Pens
- Writer's Journal
- Romantic Stickers to Add to Your Letters
- For Lovers
- True Love's Kiss
- Famous Love Letters in History
- The Art of Writing
- Charcoal Fountain Pen
- Blue Fountain Pen Kit
- Bottled Fountain Pen Ink Black
- Ink For Your Fountain Pens
- More Ink
- Assorted Rolling Ball Ink pens
- Stationery & Writing Gift Guide & Sealing Wax
- The Art of Letter Writing
- Blank Journal For Your Written Thoughts
- Any More Love Letters You Know Of?
- Romantic Lenses
- Lensmasters Worth Checking Out
by Tiddledeewinks
Hello world. This is my bio. I'm Jeannie . I sing classic country and some old rock on karaoke. I love fabric and sewing, collecting old... more »
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