Darling Walter,

You cannot imagine how pleased everybody was to hear from you. I received your letter yesterday afternoon, the 10th of August 1964; it was dated 12 July 1964.

One wonders how quick the letters can be if they take a month to reach one. In any case darling it is not important.

We thought that after the sentence, they (would) keep you people in Pretoria for about one or two months, and that would have enabled us to see you before leaving for the Island, but to add to the strain we had, when we took food to Pretoria the following day, we were told you had left for the island. In any case, darling, we are very happy to hear from you.

Nkuli is doing very well at school …Her daily song is that next year when she is in Standard 1 she will write a letter to Daddy and tell him to come back home because we are longing for him. If Daddy refuses to come home she will go stay with him in prison. Lungi and Beryl are doing well … In their last tests they did badly, but they have picked up wonderfully in their June tests. They both wrote wonderful letters after the sentence, saying that they were happy it was not the death sentence. … A person who took it bitterly was Zwelakhe. They say he cried the whole day at school until Father sent him to bed. He has not written since. I have written two letters to him. The only reply I got was that he wants to come back home. In any case, don't worry about that, Darling, I will manage him when he comes home in December. …

I was pleased to learn that you are studying. I know you will make it. It is never too late to learn. I am going to tell your sons to study hard because it will be a disgrace if you pass examinations and they fail. I have spoken to many people about Max and I am prepared to be firm about his schooling. I think I will succeed in getting him back to school. …

Darling, I will be seeing you soon if all goes well. I am at present doing night duty so don't be surprised at seeing many mistakes. All are well at home. Greetings from all your kids.

Your loving Tinie

It was obvious that Albertina had not yet received Walter's second letter, written in August. The authorities often tormented inmates and their families by tampering with or delaying mail. Certainly the censorship of individual love letters was an invasion of privacy. And the effects of Walter’s imprisonment, despite her showing a brave face, was a heavy burden together with her banning order which drastically curbed her movements.

I must say we were not very happy when we came back because we did not see you people properly. We only heard your voices and saw your shadows.

Extracts 1965

My dear, we were all hurt about your remarks, that you always think of our birthdays and wish us good luck, but we never think of you on your birthday and wish you Happy Birthday. Walter, we always think of you, but we never know what to do, whether you are allowed a postcard or not. Nkuli says, don't worry wena Tata ngenye imini ndizakuthengela iBirthday Cake enkulu namakhandela ayo (Daddy, one day I will buy you a big birthday cake with candles)

(Letter, November 15 1965).

Extracts 1966

Darling, your last letter was not a nice one. It looked as though you were worried or not well. There were a lot of incomplete sentences. What was the matter? … Please, when you are not well report to the authorities and get medical attention. Never go on with that headache of yours because I know how it can treat you.

(Letter, November 19 1966).

On their wedding anniversary in July 1979.

Walter's letter of appreciation to his wife

Darling

I think this is the date on which we got married 35 years ago. I was certain of this date until I slid my pen on the paper when I began to have some doubt whether it was the 15 or 17 July. All these years I was sure, but now?

Your welcome and most moving letter has had the desired effects ... It was not the volume that mattered, it was the quality, deep emotion and sincere expression of love which left an everlasting impression and kindled the fondest memories. I shall forever treasure it. I shall always imagine you in that excellent and fine spirit which it so vividly depicted ...

Concerning the progress you have made with regard to family matters and the manner in which you have handled them, I can only repeat what I have said in the past - absolute superb. I have never felt as comfortable as I am. I am really happy about all the children. It is true I would we wanted the highest possible education but I think they will certainly make up for it. I was happy when there was a re-union of the children four years ago and now with Lakhe and Lindi all seems to be very well.

Now darling, let me have the photos of the two girls at least, you know in fact that I want the photos of all of you, including ' bakhozi (in-laws). Your last photo was taken by Mthetwa or Cuthbert Mawana 12 years ago. Can you believe that? Have you any photo of Max there? Please send me a duplicate of it. I know you would not want to part with it.

What are your plans about Nkuli? ... Let her not miss the chance of a university while she is still interested. By the way, Tinie, she needs your attention and guidance on her love affairs. I know you think she has no boyfriends. She has told me that she has one.

We ought to know what kind of boy he is even if there is nothing serious at this stage; at least it is a way of educating them.

With love to you and the children and million kisses to my beloved Ntsiki.

Albertina's words

We loved each other very much.

We were like two chickens

One always walking behind the other.

 - Albertina Sisulu