The protagonist reflects on the letters he once wrote to Jamie Fraser, viewing them as phantoms of his past. These letters were honest and heartfelt, capturing deep emotions and thoughts he wished to express. Each letter served as a genuine connection, despite their eventual destruction.
Burning the letters did not diminish their significance; they remained vivid in his memory. This act of letting go symbolizes a complex relationship with his feelings and the tangible words that once represented them. The letters are a testament to his vulnerability and meaningful communication with Jamie.