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Primary Sources

(1) Major Sullivan Ballou, letter to Sarah Ballou (14th July, 1861)

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.

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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 G