Love Letter

A Love Letter Like No Other

With the hype that surrounds each holiday, it’s easy to get jaded and miss all that’s good about the occasion.  This year, what helped me focus on the best parts of Valentine’s Day was rereading one of the most powerful love letters I’ve ever come across.  Union Army Major Sullivan Ballou wrote the letter to his wife on July 14, 1861, a week before taking part in one of the Civil War’s epic battles.

I first heard a narrator read the letter during the PBS television series, “The Civil War.”  Since we own the companion book, I looked up the letter and found it just as moving as I remembered:

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 again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall 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 strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings 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 could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me unresistibly on with all these chains to the battle field.

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 for 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 grown 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 battle field, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness . . .

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 gladdest days and in the darkest nights . . . always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as 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 thee, for we shall meet again . . .

Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861.

As I reread Major Ballou’s letter, all the noise from the Valentine’s Day marketing machine suddenly fell silent.  It reminded me that life is a short, fragile, and precious gift.  It made me ever more thankful for my beautiful wife, Jude, and our three awesome kids.  It made me stop and consider how often and in what ways I may be taking the gifts of these relationships for granted.  And it made me want to do better at living in a way that reflects my gratitude for them, not just today, but from this day forward.

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5 Responses to A Love Letter Like No Other

  1. Addie Begashaw February 17, 2011 at 3:27 PM #

    Thank you so much for sharing this letter. We all needed to be reminded of the blessing of love we have around us. Your work is very inspiring to me. God blessing over your life.

  2. Erin February 15, 2011 at 6:23 PM #

    Absolutely wonderful – thank you for sharing. It reminds me of the letters from war I used to get from my husband. It is important for Americans to remember that vets from all wars are just as brave and honorable. I look forward to the day when women from this war will be sharing letters and stories.

  3. Mitch February 15, 2011 at 2:53 PM #

    I tear up every time I read this. When I first heard it on the Civil War presentation, it pierced me to the bone. What a blessing from God that so many men and women have given their lives in defense of the freedoms we enjoy and so often take for granted. Thanks for sharing this with your readers.

  4. Matt Bell February 15, 2011 at 8:56 AM #

    My pleasure, Judy. Glad you found it as moving as I did.

  5. Judy Anderson February 14, 2011 at 5:36 PM #

    I almost didn’t breath as I read this letter. Strong men and women, willing to sacrific their lives for our country, are a gift from God. The love and passion Major Ballou had for his country and wife was evident in this tender love letter … an unending love documented forever. Thank you for sharing.

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