Poetry Journal Songs
The Civil War:
A Letter from Major Sullivan Ballou
A week before the battle of Bull Run, Sullivan Ballou, a major in the 2nd 
Rhode Island Volunteers wrote home to his wife in Smithfield.
July 14, 1861 Washington D. C.
Dear Sarah,
The indications are very strong that we should move in a few days,
perhaps tomorrow. And lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel
impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I am no
more.
I have no misgivings about or lack of confidence in the cause in which I
am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how American
civilization now leans on the triumph of the government. And how great
the debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and
suffering 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 nothing but omnipotence can break. And yet my love of country
comes over me like a strong wind, and bears me irresistibly with all those
chains to the battle field.
The memory of all those blissful moments I have enjoyed with you
come crowding over me. And I feel most deeply grateful to God and you
that I have enjoyed them for so long. And how hard it is for me to give
them up and burn to ashes the hopes and future years, when God willing,
we might still have lived and loved together and see our boys grownup to
honorable manhood around us. If I do not return my dear Sarah, never
forget how much I loved you, nor when my last breath escapes me on the
battlefield it will whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you, how
thoughtless, how foolish I have sometimes been, but oh! Sarah....If the dead
can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they love, I shall
always be with you in the brightest day and the darkest night, always,
always. And when the soft breeze fans your cheek it shall be my breath;
or the cool air your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.
Sarah, do not mourn me dead, think I am gone and wait for me. For we
shall meet again......
Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the first battle of
Bull Run.