From the Heart: Love Letters and Stories from the Civil War

By Jessica James

Eloquently written letters were part of Victorian era courtship, and continued even after a couple's marriage.

Today, no form of communication is more important, more romantic—and more in danger of being lost—than the written word. Text-messaging has unfortunately taken over as the number one way to communicate, but that doesn't mean we can't learn something from the beautiful and elegant writings of the past.

Letters written during the Civil War often contained accounts of battles, life in camp, and general news, but many—even the ones penned by historical figures that we think of as strong, unemotional, and intrepid—are sweet, poignant, and heartfelt missives to their loved ones at home.

In this short book you will find a few of the heartwarming stories of everlasting love that historical fiction author Jessica James stumbled upon while doing research for her first Civil War novel Shades of Gray.

In the midst of the chaos of today's society, it may be hard to imagine the type of devotion that plays out in these letters.

One would not expect, after all, to hear sweet murmurings of love from some of the most renowned soldiers to come out of the war—warriors with names like J.E.B. Stuart, Stonewall Jackson and George Pickett, to name a few.

Readers of any genre will appreciate the beautiful use of the English language, written in a way that brings the emotions of the past back to life

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessica James
• Release date: Oct 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9780979600074

Jessica James

Jessica James is an award-winning author of small town women's fiction, suspense, historical fiction, and patriotic fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day. She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010. Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy. By weaving the principles of courage, devotion, duty, and dedication into each book, she attempts to honor the unsung heroes of the American military—past and present—and to convey the magnitude of their sacrifice and service.

Book preview

Introduction: Love Letters

ELOQUENTLY WRITTEN letters were part of Victorian era courtship, and continued even after a couple’s marriage.

Today, no form of communication is more important, more romantic—and more in danger of being lost—than the written word. Text-messaging has unfortunately taken over as the number one way to communicate, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn something from the beautiful and elegant writings of the past.

Letters written during the Civil War often contained accounts of battles, life in camp, and general news, but many—even the ones penned by historical figures that we think of as strong, unemotional, and intrepid—are sweet, poignant, and heartfelt missives to their loved ones at home.

In this short book you will find a few of the heartwarming stories of everlasting love that I stumbled upon while doing research for my first Civil War novel Shades of Gray. In the midst of the chaos of today’s society, it may be hard to imagine the type of devotion that plays out in these letters.

One would not expect, after all, to hear sweet murmurings of love from some of the most renowned soldiers to come out of the war—warriors with names like J.E.B. Stuart, Stonewall Jackson and George Pickett, to name a few.

I hope you enjoy these words of love as much as I do, and that you can appreciate the beautiful use of the English language, written in a way that brings the emotions of the past back to life.

Major Sullivan Ballou to ‘My Very Dear Sarah’

SULLIVAN BALLOU MARRIED Sarah Hunt Shumway on Oct. 15, 1855, and served in the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry during the Civil War. The couple had two sons, Edgar and William.

In one of the most well-known letters to come out of the Civil War, Major Ballou attempts to explain the emotions he is feeling—most importantly, the internal battle being waged between his love for his wife and his sense of duty to his country.

JULY THE 14TH, 1861

Washington DC

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 0 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