Excerpts from correspondence in “My Dear President: Letters Between Presidents and Their Wives,” by Gerard W. Gawalt of the Library of Congress:

Passion and longing:

“I will fly on the wings of the purest affection. I never wanted to see you so mutch in my life.” – Rachel to Andrew Jackson, in a letter full of desire and misspellings when he was off fighting Indians in the War of 1812.

“I’ll go to bed and dream of the kisses I cannot give you.” – Woodrow Wilson to Ellen Louis Axson in September 1883, shortly after their engagement.

“I wanted to go home with you so badly last night, I could hardly stand it.” – Harry to Bess Truman, July 1923, just after she returned from visiting him at military training camp.

Loss:

“Our little one breathed out her life.” – Lucretia to James Garfield, December 1863, on the death of their daughter Eliza.

Terms of endearment:

“Middle size muffin.” – Ronald to Nancy Reagan.

“Your Fellow-conspirator.” – Teddy Roosevelt to Alice Lee, in December 1878, two months after they met.

Snippy moments:

“One line to say that we are occasionally remembered will be gratefully received.” – Mary to Abraham Lincoln, November 1862, chiding him for infrequent communications with his family.