Sullivan Ballou facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sullivan A. Ballou
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Lithograph of Sullivan Ballou
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| Born | March 28, 1829 Smithfield, Rhode Island |
| Died | July 29, 1861 (aged 32) Sudley Church, Virginia |
| Buried |
Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, Rhode Island
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| Allegiance | Union of the United States of America |
| Service/ |
Union Army of the United States Army |
| Years of service | 1861 |
| Rank |  Major |
| Commands held | 2nd Rhode Island Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Sullivan Ballou (March 28, 1829 – July 29, 1861) was an American lawyer and politician from Rhode Island. He also served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He is famous for a powerful letter he wrote to his wife, Sarah. He wrote it just a week before he was badly hurt in the First Battle of Bull Run. He was left behind by his army and died a week later.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sullivan Ballou was born in Smithfield, Rhode Island. His parents were Hiram and Emeline Ballou. His family had a long history in America, tracing back to French Protestants called Huguenots. Sullivan lost his father when he was very young.
Even so, he went to good schools. He attended Nichols Academy and Phillips Academy. After that, he studied at Brown University. He then went to the State and National Law School to become a lawyer. In 1853, he became a lawyer in Rhode Island.
In 1855, Sullivan married Sarah Hart Shumway. They had two sons, Edgar and William.
Public Service and Politics
Sullivan Ballou was very involved in public life. In 1854, soon after starting his law career, he was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives. He served as the Clerk of the House. Later, he became the Speaker, which is like the leader of the House.
He was a strong member of the Republican Party. He also strongly supported Abraham Lincoln, who later became president.
Joining the Civil War
In April 1861, the American Civil War began. President Lincoln asked states loyal to the Union to send soldiers. Sullivan Ballou quickly volunteered to join the army. He also encouraged other people to join.
He was made a Major in the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry Regiment. He was the third-highest officer in his regiment. He also worked as a judge advocate for the Rhode Island military.
After training, Ballou's regiment joined the Union Army. On July 21, 1861, they fought in the First Battle of Bull Run. This was the first major battle of the Civil War. The 2nd Rhode Island Infantry was part of a group led by Colonel Ambrose Burnside.
The Battle and His Death
During the battle, a Confederate cannonball hit Sullivan Ballou. It killed his horse. The Union Army lost the battle and had to retreat. Sadly, Ballou and other wounded soldiers were left behind.
Sullivan Ballou died from his injuries a week later. He was buried in a church graveyard. He was 32 years old. His wife, Sarah, was 24. Many soldiers from his regiment were killed or badly wounded in this battle.
Sarah Ballou never married again. She later moved to New Jersey to live with her son, William. She passed away in 1917 at the age of 82. She is buried next to her husband.
Sullivan Ballou's Famous Letter
Sullivan Ballou wrote a very famous letter to his wife, Sarah. He wrote it on July 14, 1861, just before the Battle of Bull Run. In the letter, he shared his deep feelings. He talked about his worries, fears, and sadness. But he also showed his endless love for Sarah and their children. He also wrote about his strong sense of duty to his country.
July the 14th, 1861
Washington D.C.
My very dear Sarah:
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure—and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. 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 strongly 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.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and 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 and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the brightest day and in the darkest night—amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours—always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or 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 me, for we shall meet again.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Sullivan
The letter was probably never mailed. It was found in Ballou's trunk after he died. The Governor of Rhode Island, William Sprague IV, personally delivered it to Sarah Ballou a year later.
The Letter in Media
Sullivan Ballou's letter became very famous. It was featured in Ken Burns' award-winning 1990 documentary The Civil War. An edited version of the letter was read aloud in the film.
The letter also inspired the song ‘Dearest Sarah’ by the band Goodnight, Texas. It was even the inspiration for a quest in the video game "World of Warcraft." In the game, players deliver "Sully Balloo's Letter" to his widow, Sara Balloo.
