The letters
Transcribed with the student's wording, spelling, and punctuation preserved; letter case is normalized for legibility.
April 24th, 1717
My dearest Maria. The beauty of the ocean and horizon could never compare to the beauty of you. Me and my crew have sailed many a mile to see you, my love. Oh how I miss your melodious laughter, your beautiful, radiant smile that shines brighter than bullion I could ever scavange. Remember the day we met on the beach? My beautiful Maria, those words I whispered to you, I kept my promise my dear. We talked for hours, I lost myself in your voice, sweeter than a songbirds. Everyday my crew searches for gold. But you Maria are the only treasure I'm looking for. I fall asleep thinking of you, my dear. My thoughts flood with you everyday. My mother died during childbirth so you're the only person I have dear. I promise that when we see eachother I'll bring you to the very same shore we met, I count the days until I can witness your beauty again. The silk that carries your scent and memories of you stays wrapped around my pistol in reminder of what I'm here for. I know your parents think of me as a low-life penniless pirate, but I search miles and miles of land and sea to find silver, hoping your parents accept me.
Sam Bellamy
April 25th, 1717
My love, the skies are gray, the sun no longer out. But a gray sky won't stop me from venturing to you. I miss your beautiful blonde hair like the warm sand along the shore. My love, I can't wait to see you again. But the waves are getting rough, the Whydah, she's fighting back. She's tough. My dear, I miss you so much. My crew gets bigger everyday for I accept slaves, and let them join my crew. I try to find even 1 piece of silver, but luck runs out. I want your parents to approve of me, but I know that won't happen. But I'm tired, so I best get to sleep. I love you.
Sam Bellamy
April 26th, 1717
My dear, the storm, we've hit it. Violent waves hit the boat, I'm losing my crew by the second. I don't think we'll see eachother again. Remember, till death do us part.
Sam Bellamy