Most beautiful letter ever. A week before the battle of Bull Run, Sullivan Ballou, a major in the 2end Rhode Island Volunteers, wrote home to his wife in Smithfield. July 14,1861 Camp Clark, Wasington DC 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 may be 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 gratful 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 love you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will wisper 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 brighest day and in the darkest night... always Sarah, always. And when the soft breeze fans your check, 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... Good Bye my love, i hold you in my heart forever. Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the battle of Bull Run......
Replies
its very touching and very sad. Im glad to know that there are people who love that much
wow. I remember reading this one, or a similar one before, and wishing I could find myself a mna who feels for me like he does for her. I thik that EVERYONE on Earth no matter who they are deserves love like that.
Where did you find this one? i liked it ^_^
This is soooo sad! I hate goodbyes. I do have a man who loves me that much, and my soul would mourn forever if he were not with me any longer.
This letter was truly beautifully written! Thanks for sharing it.
I\'m such a skeptic I think...I don\'t think it\'s real....but that is just me and the way things are with me right now.
Sounds like a bittersweet fairytale....
There is no comment to make.
Love like that no longer exists within the world because no one can recognize it any longer, even if it crosses their path directly. Hypothetically, if it does, it stays hidden and protected. It\'s safer this way.
i was touched by this letter. i did not know that a man could love (yes, i said love, and not for you this time) so much. he really loved this woman, down to his soul, and that is a very beautiful thing!
I know love like that exists as I have loved like that. I just wish I could be loved like that but for it to be for awhile and not short lived I know it is selfish but I feel while on Earth we should have love like that
its a very touching letter but i question do we not truly understand how much we are able to love till we lost. would he feel the love so powerful if he knew he where going home to her. i hope love is realy this way cus i know to people to sometimes be selfish, to only think of there selfs at times. because he admits is wrongs so hes not always done write. but i always have a negative aspect on things its my first nature
Wow. this is very sad and emotional! Its nice to know people love this much!
Not to sound extremely skeptical, only a wee bit...I would venture to say that they just don\'t make them like they used to. I used to believe in love this strong, but I feel surrounded (in my life, not at all on this site!) with people who are only out for themselves. This is why I plan to move far, far away as soon as I get better!
That was beautiful
thats one of the saddest things ive ever read but at the same time i have to think that theyre the luckiest people to have love that strong in the first place. its hard for people when their loved ones die, but when their love is that strong, their love is never gone. i envy that so much
Wow, that was really inspirational. It\'s so sad... Thanks for recommending that i read this! :)
meh.. and i was trying not to cry today.
It\'s so sad. I\'m so mad at him. If he loved her that much, he shouldn\'t of went!!! He shouldn\'t of left her. It\'s not fair. They should\'ve stayed together and made many babies. Now she knows that she experienced true love, and the damn governement took it away from her. Argg!! I have to stop now.