It's February, the month of love.
One hundred and fifty-three years ago, this February, one broken-hearted soul wrote a profoundly sad love letter from Alexandria in 1868. By modern standards, it's the kind of message that might get you blocked on social media and your contact deleted.
Clearly, the author had a drinking problem, a love problem, and a problem with the mail.
In writing this letter, he does himself no favors at all. He carries on about why she hasn't written, he talks about being depressed, and he seems to confess to having had relations with another woman. Egads!
This letter does raise some interesting questions. Why was the letter saved? Did she save it? Did he come to his senses and choose not to send it (there is no accompanying envelope)? Did she ghost him? Should we even view this by modern standards? Should we instead praise him for openly discussing his feelings?
Confession, I'm a romantic myself. I like to think that he never sent the letter, got himself together, and won her hand by earning it, the old-fashioned way. What do you think (leave a comment)? And is it easier or harder to find love in Alexandria these days with social media and dating apps? Funnily, the letters still do not arrive in a timely way.
I've transcribed this letter as a cautionary tale. I've learned that it's always good to write a letter (or text or email). It's not always a good idea to send it, however.
Transcription followed by images of the letter:
Alexandria, Va Feb 4, 1868
Dearest Nammi,
A long long time has passed and not one word from my “little pen.“
Can it be that she is sick? Oh no, I will not think about that. She has been enjoying the snow and has been too much engaged sleighing. That is the reason. Well I hope you have had a nice time.
How I should like to have been with you but for many reasons could not. I have been in Alexandria nearly three weeks. Don’t know when I shall leave or where I shall go.
The future is now shrouded in the deepest gloom. No ray of light can be seen through the dark cloud. You will see from this that I am love spirited. I am and have been for sometime.
I think there is surely a letter at the office in Centerville for me. I will get it on Wednesday morning. Oh that I may.
I may say stay in Alexandria or I may go to Baltimore in a few days or I may go to Fort Loudoun.
I saw Mr. Purcell last night. He has gone _____ the railroad. Will be back on Wednesday.
Little darling, must I tell you? Yes I will. I was so low spirited and felt that the whole world hated me and I got on the biggest kind of _______ and came near dying. Do not tell anyone. I ought not tell you. But I feel that I must keep nothing from my idol whom I have loved alone.
I am over it now. They persuaded me to come here thinking it would be best. I only did it to gratify my kind friends when I came here I was quite sick and an old friend of mine (a lady) heard I was in town and had been drinking and she came to see me.
I think that did me more good than anything else. I promised her I would quit as soon as I could but just when I could not at _______. I have now. Will my little Nammi forgive me? Can she? I think she might. I think she might when I have told her all and could have kept it from her and I am sure she will.
Write to me, a letter, one of your _______ letters will cheer my drooping spirits. Did you receive the photograph and how did you like it. Most persons did not think it good, I did not. I am very sure it did not flatter me.
Who is the gentleman you told me you had made the promise to. You know what I refer to. I asked you to forget it. I will not write more now. Will wait till Wednesday with the fond hope of hearing from you.
Good night dearest. Write soon.
Your own
C
Direct to Alexandria