In an interesting difference from today’s tendencies; it was only after Julie and Morris were engaged in April 1848 that strong passion becomes as much a part of their letters as literary discourses or recounting of activities and the letters are openly labelled as love letters.   They remain very conscious of the medium of letters and the possible misunderstandings inherent to letters; both ask the other to tell them if a letter seems overly emotional or overly reserved.

Almost immediately after they were engaged, Morris headed out on various travels: Cleveland, back to NYC, and then to New Orleans where he began to establish his business. Julie remained in Brockport, caring for her parents and teaching.  They had no clear idea as to how or where they would eventually live together, only that they would.  It would be nearly two more years before they would marry, in the meantime they would see each other only once.

Julie’s confidence in the future is beautifully expressed here in a letter from 1848:

“Another day rest with those before the flood. Its cares, labors, and pleasures are numbered with things that were, but not its hopes. They float on brightly into the future. They lightened yesterday’s burden, still pointed onward today, and are nearer fruition now that the sun hath set again. Tomorrow will bring them more clearly in view, if we have tomorrow. God keep those in His care tonight, dear Morris, “Sleep on, and dream of me!” did ever you hear that pretty song? When we meet again, we will sing it together. And that won’t be very long. When we have counted a few more sunsets, we will sit together, and happier than we were before.”