Love letters can take many forms, but the intent is always clear: Couples letting one another know exactly what their relationship means. 

William & Mary’s Swem Library has an extensive collection of love letters in the Special Collections Research Center, encompassing a wide variety of couples in different stages of their relationship. More than 200 letters from 1764 through 1967 make up the collection, each either donated to the library or purchased from third parties. 

“Letters provide glimpses into the personal thoughts of everyday individuals and can really show someone’s personal feelings outside of their public persona,” said Jay Gaidmore, director of special collections.

On Feb. 13, the library will be holding a “Love in the Archives Open House,” where various letters, zines and photographs will be on display in preparation for Valentine’s Day. Below are some of the highlights from the letters.

Gertha Sykes Collins Papers (1942-1946)

Written between 1942 and 1946, Gertha Barbara Jean Sykes, residing in St. Louis, Missouri, wrote frequently with James Dansby, a Black soldier in the U.S. Army who she was in a relationship with at the time. Beginning his service in late October 1942, Dansby would send regular updates on daily training at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, citing the poor conditions Black soldiers received compared to their white counterparts.

Throughout all his turmoil, including a warm and humid climate, strenuous drills and health scares, Dansby made clear that Sykes was motivating him to persevere, both with her letters and photos of herself.

“Everytime I look at your picture (that’s every day) it’s so natural and cute that it just seems to tell me that you’re well and still love me,” he wrote.

Dansby would regularly recommend shows he saw at camp to Sykes, including “Now, Voyager,” “China Girl” and “Springtime in the Rockies,” hoping to bond over films both had access to.

By the end of 1944, Dansby was stationed in the Southwest Pacific theatre and most likely spent the war in the Philippines. He was there until after World War II ended and didn’t arrive back in the United States until January 1946. He traveled back to St. Louis and then moved to Detroit, Michigan. Between two of his last letters, from Oct. 28, 1946, and Jan. 13, 1947, the couple separated, with Sykes later marrying soldier Benjamin D. Collins in 1949.

“I am really glad we have this understanding, I can breathe easier. Hope that we may remain friends” Dansby wrote in his final message, greeting Sykes only as “friend” and not his usual “babe” or “darling.”

Alexander Campbell to Hannah Acheson, Typescript Letter (1809)

Even leaders of new religious movements have time for writing love letters. Alexander Campbell, who led the Restoration Movement that resulted in the development of non-denominational Christian churches, made time to profess his love for a woman named Hannah Acheson in December 1809. 

“In vain any longer do I endeavor to conceal my love for you,” Campbell writes. “My natural timidity, and bashfulness are overcome; and all my fortitude gives place to love. My thoughts by day, and my dreams by night are turned on love: and you the beloved object ever live in my imagination.”

The typescript was transcribed by Earl Gregg Swem, the namesake of Swem Library, and the location of the original letter is still unknown.

Campbell explains that he grew affectionate for Acheson early on in their meeting each other, but he grew too nervous to say anything in person. As a result, he channeled all his emotion into his letter, asking her to consider his sincere pleas to be with her. 

“It is better to enjoy one love in Solitude, than to live lovelorne in the crowded city in the midst of opulence and gaiety. … Remember that love, and love only, is the loan for love, which I earnestly desire and expect from you,” he wrote.

Ultimately, Acheson and Campbell did not spark a relationship, according to the typescript. Two years later, Campbell married Margaret Brown, whom he remained with until her death in 1827. A year later, he married Selina Huntington Bakewell and had 14 children.

Dale to Nancy Letter (1957)

Sometimes the best letters are the most direct ones. In one such letter, a man named Dale shares a card with a kitten on the front with his “darling” Nancy.

“I thought that this kitten would be appropriate for my ‘little kitten’,” he writes. “Hope you enjoy it.”

Little is known about the origin of the letter outside of Dale’s correspondence, with him mentioning that news is scarce since he last wrote and that a “small little box” will be sent to Nancy tomorrow. In little less than 100 words, Dale makes sure to profess his love for Nancy no less than three times.

He ends the letter with. “All my love, Dale. P.S.: I love you.”

Paul Bilosky Letters (1943)

With most love letters in the Special Collections Research Center written from men to women, Paul Bilofsky, a soldier stationed at Camp Peary, is one of the rare men on the other side of the equation. Here, Paul hears from his girlfriend, Helen, who offers him consolation for his difficult work schedule and details her personal endeavors while he’s away.

“Sorry to hear that you are tired, but we just have to keep our chin up and make the best out of it,” she writes. “While writing this letter I have the radio on and they are singing the song ‘Sunday, Monday or Always’ by Bing Crosby. It makes me lonesome and blue to hear it.”

Helen shares a joke about a man’s health with Bilofsky and informs him she has a full week of paid vacation to use at her job, pointing out the irony that she received the perk right after he was assigned to Camp Peary. She signs off the letter with a kiss, the bright pink makeup still vivid as ever on the folded paper.

“I didn’t make a good job on it, for I hit my nose on the desk by doing it, and couldn’t get the V on my top lip right,” she jokes of the lipstick stain. “I did this so you can have a laugh for yourself, cause I think you didn’t have a laugh since you left Connecticut.”

More love letters, including more than 200 letters from a variety of male admirers to Richmond woman Rosalie White Irwin, can be found in Swem Library’s Special Collections Research Center. More information on requesting documents can be found at scrcguides.libraries.wm.edu.

For more ways to share love this Valentine’s Day, you can find William & Mary-themed gifs and printable downloads here.