12-18-2003, 12:17 AM | #1 (permalink) | |
Junkie
|
Passage of the Day - My Dear Sarah...
This is a letter that was written by Major Sullivan Ballou of the Second Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers to his wife on July 14th, 1861. His regiment was stationed just outside Washington and the next day they moved out to meet the forces of the Confederacy.
Quote:
Mr Mephisto Last edited by Mephisto2; 12-18-2003 at 12:21 AM.. |
|
12-18-2003, 04:44 AM | #3 (permalink) |
A Real American
|
It is truly a crime that a writer of such eloquence and passion was discarded for the war effort. Especially since educated men weren't in high number in that age.
__________________
I happen to like the words "fuck", "cock", "pussy", "tits", "cunt", "twat", "shit" and even "bitch". As long as I am not using them to describe you, don't go telling me whether or not I can/should use them...that is, if you want me to continue refraining from using them to describe you. ~Prince |
12-18-2003, 12:46 PM | #5 (permalink) |
Junkie
|
One of the things that I find fascinating about the Civil War was the eloquence of a great number of the participants. Those who enjoyed any education, in those times, tended to have a "classical education". Letter writing was also practically universal amongst the literate classes. People were good at writing letters.
It was also one of the last wars where there was almost universal belief in an afterlife. This tended to mould people's motivations and fears. This, combined with an eloquence that is unfortunately rare today, resulted in beautiful prose like that above. I presume most American's are also familiar with Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural speech. These two are also excellent examples of a beautiful command of the language. Mr Mephisto |
12-18-2003, 03:55 PM | #6 (permalink) |
Junkie
Location: Up yonder
|
I too was hoping for a happier ending. What a beautifully written letter. I could only hope for someone to love me that way, and these lines tugged hard on the heartstrings......
"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 garish 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."
__________________
You've been a naughty boy....go to my room! |
Tags |
day, dear, passage, sarah |
|
|