Old Diver
Contributor
July 14, 1861
Camp Clark, Washington
Dear Sarah;
The indications are very strong that wwe shall move in a few days-perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall on you eyes when I am no more.
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confedence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing-perfectly willing-to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that only Omnipotence can break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and carries me irresistably on with all those chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most grateful to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. Ane how hard it is for me to give them up an d burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood.
If I do not return my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will wisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been!
But O Sarah! if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always bee near you; in the brightest day , and the darkest night, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
Sullivan
Major Sullivan Ballou was killed at the first Battle of Bull Run.
This is an edited version of his letter, broadcast in Ken Burns Civil War series.
Camp Clark, Washington
Dear Sarah;
The indications are very strong that wwe shall move in a few days-perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall on you eyes when I am no more.
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confedence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing-perfectly willing-to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that only Omnipotence can break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and carries me irresistably on with all those chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most grateful to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. Ane how hard it is for me to give them up an d burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown up to honorable manhood.
If I do not return my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will wisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been!
But O Sarah! if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always bee near you; in the brightest day , and the darkest night, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.
Sullivan
Major Sullivan Ballou was killed at the first Battle of Bull Run.
This is an edited version of his letter, broadcast in Ken Burns Civil War series.
