Love, like liberty, thrives when freely bestowed. When the time comes that you no longer have need of its guidance, pass the locket from one hopeful heart to another, that its promise may endure.
May your days be filled with the joy that springs from choosing love above all else.
And never forget that love, freely given, is the truest liberty we may ever know.
Ever yours,
Martha Washington
“Oh my,” said Abagail. “It is written by Martha Washington, George Washington’s wife. But wait, there is more, and it continues:”
When all those around us were pressed to choose their allegiance, Branch and I chose one another and learned that love, like liberty, must be claimed with courage and defended with devotion.
Lucy Carlson and Branch Barton
Philadelphia, August 28, 1776
“Oh, my,” Abagail said again.
“Now I know why I felt this locket was special,” Skenan said into the sudden silence of the room. “Do you remember, my woman, when we were in the cave and you gave me the necklace to hold? I recall thinking there was something special about it, and, when I placed the locket upon my heart, it brought me a feeling of happiness. These two people, Lucy and Branch, appear to have been married on the date written there.”
“Yes,” agreed Abagail, “I believe you are right. But I think there is more to it. I think George Washington had this necklace made to not only tell his wife how much he loved her, but to have the necklace passed along from one couple to another. I can see now how it is: I am not the first one who has had the necklace in their possession. I believe these two people, Lucy and Branch, found love while this locket was in the care of and within their grasp. And, as Martha Washington wished it to be, the locket was passed along to others...to us.”
“Indeed it is so,” said Skenan. I wonder if it was made because this country is at war. Could it be this necklace was created to bring love to one another instead of the hatred war always brings? I am glad Mr. Wilson chose to entrust you, my woman, with the coded message written in the locket. Afterall, it was because of the need to carry the message inside the necklace to this fort, that we, too, found love along the way.”
“I think you are right, my husband.”
Skenandoah reached out to take hold of her hand, and, as he did so, Abagail felt pulled to leave a message about her own luck in love, and, by leaving a note about her own marriage, perhaps she might aid another man and woman to come together in love.”
“I believe,” said Abagail, “I shall write my own message in the locket.”
“Indeed,” Colonel Gansevoort said. “It is why I have asked you both to be seated here. I thought you might very well like to do this. And so, I give you my desk so you may write what you deem to be appropriate. Perhaps the reverend and I might step away for a moment, thus giving you some privacy.”
“Thank you, Colonel. I thank you very much.”
After the colonel and the reverend had left the room, Abagail frowned, considering what she might write as she took up feather and ink. But, after a moment, she knew what she must write.
From my dear husband, Skenandoah, I learned that a man and a woman, being created by God and in His image, were created to be free and joined forever in love.
Abagail Densbury and Oneida scout, Skenandoah, The Deer
Fort Stanwix, August 27, 1777
When she had finished, she refolded the paper and replaced it into the necklace’s lining.
“Are you not going to wear the necklace so you might give it to another?” asked Skenan.
Abagail smiled before answering her husband. But, after a moment, she said, “I think not, husband dear. I think this locket should stay here where another might find it. I believe it belongs more to the American Revolution than to any one person. Indeed, I think it best to leave it here in the fort which has been torn apart by war.”
“Ah, a wise woman you are. Very wise you are, indeed.”
Abagail smiled at Skenan. Because of the power of love, she had, indeed, found love and so much more. And, as she stood up and took Skenan’s hand, she said, “Let it remain here so another, like us, can discover the healing effect of love.”
Skenan grinned at her, and, bringing his face down toward hers, he kissed her.
It is said by the Oneida people that Skenandoah and Abagail lived a long life together and they had many children who were loved and cherished dearly. Always, were they an inspiration to others, even under the most trying of circumstances.
THE END
