[carlo3b]

I have always been fascinated by how the early Americans, without the advantage of a structured modern education, had such a grasp of our language, and the ability to articulate their feeling in the written word. None are more poignant than the writing of our soldiers to their loved ones describing their plight and emotions between the heat of battle.  This letter written by an officer to his wife that was featured on one of the finest documentaries of our Civil War, ever produced on film.

Sullivan Ballou's letter to his beloved wife Sarah, July 14,1861 Camp Clark, Washington DC, as it was read on the PBS series The CIVIL WAR by Ken Burns series....

Dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall 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 upon the triumph of the government and how great a 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 battlefield. The memory of all the 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 grown up to honorable manhood around us.

If I do not return, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I loved you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, 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, 0 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 in 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 1st Battle of Bull Run.
 
 

[dansangel]

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.

Oh, how moving that letter is! What a courageous, selfless man and what a very lucky woman to have had him as a husband for only a short time.

Thank you for sharing that ((((Carlo)))).

[Alamo-Girl]

Oh how beautiful, how noble! Thank you!!!

[jellybean]

This letter always brings tears to my eyes. I'm just a hopeless romantic, I guess...

Thank you for posting it.

[IronJack]

One of the most touching descriptions of simple passion and duty I've ever read. Can you imagine being the woman who got such a letter and married such a man?

[amom]

Yes! Thanks for the heads up and posting the letter. Wonderful.

[JulieRNR21]

I have always been fascinated by how the early Americans, without the advantage of a structured modern education, had such a grasp of our language, and the ability to articulate their feeling in the written word. None are more poignant than the writing of our soldiers to their loved ones describing their plight and emotions between the heat of battle. This letter written by an officer to his wife that was featured on one of the finest documentaries of our Civil War, ever produced on film.

This letter is so beautiful. Thanks for the ping!

[Maven]

I have always been fascinated by how the early Americans, without the advantage of a structured modern education, had such a grasp of our language, and the ability to articulate their feeling in the written word. None are more poignant than the writing of our soldiers to their loved ones describing their plight and emotions between the heat of battle. This letter written by an officer to his wife that was featured on one of the finest documentaries of our Civil War, ever produced on film.

Being in the collectibles business, I've been privileged to come across many Civil War letters - some of which were badly written and others, many others, almost poetic.

I collect 19th century correspondence. What I look for is not necessarily mention of a famous event or place (although I've read quite a few like that!), but a good story being told.

The woman who wrote to her sister to share her grief at losing her infant to the croup (1850s)....the man who described seeing Edwin Booth on stage in "Hamlet," but not holding it against him that his brother murdered the president, and oh, by the way, the rents in New York City are outrageous (1866 or so)....the diary of a Civil War soldier who was on duty in Washington when the assassination conspirators were hanged, complete with a lock of hair belonging to Mary Surratt (I sold that one and see photocopies of it all over the place now)....the man who wrote to his niece describing his life over the years - being shipwrecked, joining the Texas Rangers, rescuing a girl and her brother from the Commanche and falling in love with her (my personal favorite - written in 1856).

I don't think the lack of "structured modern" education was a problem - people who didn't have television, radio, the Internet, etc., tended to care more about writing letters, as that was the main (and often only) source of communication. People cared about the language, and a good vocabulary was the sign of a cultured mind.

Many stamp collectors and dealers are only interested in the envelopes (known as "covers" in the trade). They look at the cancels and addresses, but never read the letters. I read them, and I keep the ones that may not be philatelically valuable, but have great personal worth to me.

I'm doing some research right now on a letter written from the Oklahoma Territory in 1828. I don't know if the letter is a reproduction or not - that's what I'm researching. The person who wrote it is definitely real, and the paper could be that old (the watermark led me to the manufacturer, who assured me that they have been making that particular type of paper since 1801). It takes time to authenticate some letters, but it's an enjoyable way to pass the time. ::grin::

Sigh. I'm going to look over a lot of stampless covers on Saturday - I hope I find some interesting tidbits that I can squirrel away in my collection. The ones that are worth more to a philatelist than to an amateur historian, I will sell, but the others will be kept and treasured, as they were treasured for the 160+ years since they were written.

Maven