One week before he and 4,000 others would die in the Civil War Battle of Bull Run, Union officer Sullivan Ballou wrote the following words in a letter to his beloved Sarah:

"Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break... never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name...."

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It seems that the most passionate love letters are sent from battlefields or faraway. But heartfelt letters need not have the specter of death or be sent across distant oceans to be effective. A personally written love letter — the best Valentine's Day gift — will be appreciated much more than a commercial Valentine's Day card, according to Brenda Robertson, director of the Writing Center at the University of Mississippi: "If you want to give someone something special and you don't have a lot of money, a love letter may have more meaning than something purchased."

For the romance-impaired, relief is on the way. By keeping a few key details in mind, you can make this Valentine's Day a memorable one. Instead of buying chocolates or roses, write your sweetie a love letter, a tender memento to cherish and a sincerely unique gift. It's important to "use lively and inventive adjectives to describe the way you feel and hope someone feels about you," Robertson said, offering these suggestions:

• Get inspiration from love songs and love poems. Listening to romantic music, such as songs by R&B balladeer Luther Vandross, helps her students feel the beauty of the language and the passion of their sentiments. "He will smooth the way ... but don't steal his lyrics!" Robertson warned. "Nobody wants somebody else's ideas."
• Get in touch with your senses. In writing exercises, Robertson asks students to taste fruit and register their sensations. "Sampling and describing sensory images can inspire the language that builds your love letter," she said.
• Be honest. Don't get carried away with making false declarations or promises you can't keep — you may save yourself from future embarrassment. "Don't overcommit in a love letter — even if it's on scraps of notebook paper," Robertson said. "It's very tempting when you're looking for a flowery way to impress someone, but you're going to be taken at your word, if the love letter is worth keeping."
• Take stock in finding the right paper. Nonscientific studies show that although most women tend to have no qualms in writing on ornate paper, it also is appropriate for men to use stationery. "A woman might consider offering a gift of stationery and inviting the object of her affection to write her a love letter," Robertson said.

Don't have a paramour? Consider writing thoughtful and courteous notes to family or friends, Robertson said. "It can be to someone who's done something for you or helped you in a special way," she said.

What's your favorite Valentine's Day gift? Tell us about it — we'd love to hear from you!

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