My Dearest Benjamin

This is a letter that portrays a goodbye letter from a young girl to her eternal love who will soon be leaving to fight in the civil war. The letter is set in the 1860's.

My Dearest Benjamin:

My heart is aching right now as I write these words to you. It is filled only with despair as I silently hurt and hope immensely that these aren’t my final words to you, my sweetheart. Reliving the past, I continuously am. I imagine a walk with you through a field of flowers in the springtime where only happiness, joy, and protection are between the both of us. So here I sit, compelled to write these words to you upon your departure later in this unbearable week. 

I hope you can assume how overjoyed I am to be so fortunate to love someone with such courageous, selfless, and brave attributes. I know you are perfectly confident in this cause you are a part of, and that you will obtain courage in every endeavor you are faced with. As Jesus said, “No greater love hath a man shown, than to lay down his life for his friends.” That my dear, describes your willingness to lay down your life to fight for our great country we have so long strived to create and protect. I am confident in my belief that you will come out with triumph in your heart. I have not even a shadow of a doubt that you will maintain courage throughout the extent of the war. For that, my tears fall and I smile in pride to be so lucky to love you. 

My Dear Ben, since the first time I was privileged to see you and look into your daring blue eyes, I knew you were a special soul. I could sense that there was something different within you that would overpower all adversity that may come your way. I want you to know that until the day I pass from this life you will always be my one true love. No war, trials, or distance will ever separate us. In heart we shall be, now and forever. I know you feel that this is what you have been called to do, and you can’t resist attempting to strengthen and save our country. Aren’t they lucky to have someone filled with such strength as you? For that, I am proud to call you my own. 

At this moment, I sit at the window of the upstairs room. I look out beyond the rolling fields and listen to the hummingbirds sing sweetly in the distance. The sun shines fiercely, and all I see is your blissful face. The memories of our 5 years together, young love they say, sweeps over me as I realize at this point in our lives they shall be no more. Our wedding must now be postponed, but I will not fret, only wait for your return. I pray to our wonderful God in deep thanks for the most wholesome, joyous, and unforgettable years of my life. It is so difficult to be faced with the realization that soon, we we will be separated in the physical existing sense. No matter what fate the battlefield may bring, even if it brings death’s whisper, you can be confident in knowing that I have loved you for a thousand years, and I will continuously love you a thousand more.

Ben, this is assuredly not the end of our lives together. I am confident that a Guardian angel is watching upon you and will bring you back home where you shall abide with me. No matter what we are faced, we will always find our way back to one another. I will cherish my times with you until the end of my days. On the most dreary or the most beautiful day, always think of me. Think beyond that day, and think to the time that I shall be greeting you upon your arrival home with my most genuine smile. Tonight and every night from now, I will continuously dream of your laughter and precious soul. Please my love, be safe, and in good care. Keep this letter and your bible with you alway. My spirit is with you now and forever. Time shall pass, but the most priceless moments are with us until the end. Soon, you will abide with me.

This will not be the end, but the beginning, only Goodbye for now. Our sprits will always be together, as I will be in the air you breath, and beside you in battle. I will be awaiting your return, for we shall meet again. Don’t forget me. Hold me closely and dearly as I will you. I love you to the ends of the earth.

Anna