The Rifleman Letters

Ginia wrote:
John Hamilton to his father back east:

Greetings Father,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am in good health and the banking business here is doing fine. I'm sorry that I haven't written since I left. It has been hard to find the words. I suppose you know cousin Agnes came out here to visit and tried to persuade me to move back east. I know you do not agree with my decision, but this is where I want to be. I am happy here, father, and I hope you can be happy for me.
I heard news that mother is needing an operation. I am enclosing the amount that is needed in this letter. Please do not refuse it. I love her and would do anything for her. I will be coming for a visit as soon as I can. I thought my presence might help her recovery. Understand, though, that this is just a visit. I care very much for you both, but I have made a home for myself here. If there are any other unexpected medical bills, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Your loving son,
John

Kira wrote:
~ A letter which is never sent ~

My wonderful Margaret,

I had to let you go and everything has changed. Now I am alone with Mark. Since three months ... and every day without you - is a fight. A fight with hope, faith, despair, strength – and with the life.

The boy is everything I have, my whole life. I do not know, what I would do without him. His laughing, his love - gives me the strength to fight.

Sometimes I do not think I have this strength. But then I look into the eyes of our son and I see you. You always fought - and we become it also. For you and for us.

With all my love, Lucas

Bluespiritgal:
Letter from Mark to his uncle Johnny Gibbs (from the Brother-in-Law episode)

Johnny Gibbs/Yuma Prison

Dear Uncle Johnny,

My schoolteacher, Mr. Griswald, is making us practice our letter writin' and we had to write a letter to someone so I chose you.

So how are you doing? Pa said you'd be getting out of jail soon for "good behavior". I'm glad to hear that and hope when you do, you'll come visit us again. I sure do miss you a lot and Pa too.

We are doin' good here. Pa thinks we might have enough money for a new seed bull next Spring. Right now I'm talking care of a new horse I got from a man that was killed in town a few days ago, but I think he may be getting sick. He's been acting a little funny today. I wish you were here. I bet you could tell me what is wrong with him.

I'm supposed to ask you to write back but I know you don't cotton much to letter writin so that's okay if you don't, but I would sure like to hear from you anyway.

Sincerely,
Mark

Lisa:
Dear Millie,

Hello in Denver. I hope this letter finds you well and prospering in your new business. I know all the ladies who come into your dress shop are looking for something to make them as pretty as you are.

I just want you to know that even though things didn't work out between us romantically that I'll always count you as one of my dearest friends. I do hope that everything goes well for you and Harry. I know with a woman like you to stand by him, he'll continue to grow into the man you believe he can be.

Mark sends his love to you and to Sally. You wouldn't believe how he's grown! Seems like he barely gets one suit of clothes "broke in" before it's time for another. Of course, with as much food as he puts away, it's really no surprise! Our friend Lou Mallory has signed him on as her official "pie taster". He says she's getting better, but has a ways to go before she can cook like you do.

You remember me telling you about Lou, she's the lady who bought your store and the hotel. We've been keeping company lately and get along really well. Who knows? Maybe someday we'll be as happy as you and Harry are.

Well, Mark's getting ready to leave for school and I want him to get this letter posted this morning. Take care of yourself and give my regards to Harry.

As always, your friend
Lucas

Bluespiritgal wrote:
A letter Lucas wanted to write while up in Wyoming on his secret mission but knew he couldn't

Dear Mark,

I'm sorry I've been away so long son, nearly a month now. I'd hope I would have been able to finish up with my business by now but it looks like I might have to be here a while longer.

I wish I could tell you more of what I'm doing, but I can't right now. I know we've always had an understanding not to keep secrets from one another and I promise I'll tell you everything when I get home.

Hope you are behaving for Millie and doing your chores and keeping up on your schoolwork.

I think about you every day son, and will be glad when I can get back home to you.

Love,
Pa

Donna-
Dear Dearest Mark,

I wish I had more time to tell you how much you mean to me but this sickness is taking it’s toll on me and I’m afraid I won’t be there for you as you grow up. Always remember how much I loved you, and how much your Pa still loves you. I know you two will survive my passing.

Please let the love I held for both of you, sustain you throughout your lives. Remember, your Pa loves you more than life itself. I know sometimes he will seem obstinate and domineering but that is his way of protecting you. Talk to him, be honest with him, he will listen.

Don’t let him waste his life remaining faithful to me. He has so much to live for, there is so much more he can and should do, for both of you. I pray that you both will find life a true adventure, a glorious beginning to a bountiful future.

I will be watching you from above, make me proud.

Love Always
Ma

PS - I love the Marigolds

Laurie-
Dear Lucas,

These are my last written words, and they are to you, Lucas boy.

I want you to take whatever you want of my worldly possessions. There's not much. I do have my guns and a little money too, for Mark's schoolin', should he ever go back to Boston.

No bellyachin' about this, Lucas boy. You have done much more for me than you'll ever know.

I respect you and have trusted you with my life. You have never failed me. Because of our friendship, I am taking much more with me than I am leaving behind.

Always, Micah

Anon-
Dear Margie,

Please accept this small letter expressing my gratitude for all you have done, and are doing to bring my memory back to some old fans and also to a new generation. You and your friends have done more than you will ever know, and together you have all reached out and touched the heart and spirit of The Rifleman. I am also deeply touched that you and your friends have befriended my son and selflessly support him.
I find it more than a coincidence that you have the same name as my "screen wife". I only wish we could have met, we would have had so much to talk about.

Yours,
Chuck

If you have a story you would like to share or some information about
"The Rifleman"/Chuck Connors please send me an e-mail

A 'big thank you' to all of the contributors! May you write many more Rifleman Stories!