Don't put that hippity hop music before the letter. It is totally inappropriate. Come on. Anyway this is a good letter. Lincoln wrote a letter to a mother had four sons and only one survived "Private Ryan" this story which is true is who the movie is built on.
Simply amazing how it weaves and combines so much in so few words. The best of honest and true patriotism , the humbleness and humility of a godly man, the deep and unbreakable love for his wife ... and the language used is just perfect. I keep a copy in my wallet, as does Ken Burn himself.
Wow.... This was so sad yet so sweet at the same time. I can't imagine what she must have felt while reading that, knowing she would never see her husband again in this lifetime. At least they are together now.
this was so beautiful! Poor Sarah, probably spent the rest of her life reading, and re-reading that letter, memorizing it to the word, and feeling a chill and a joy along with deep longing every time a breeze came her way!
I'm an English major, so I've read quite a bit of fiction. But this is the one thing that consistently chokes me up, without fail. An astoundingly beautiful letter, astoundingly heartfelt.
The intro sucks, but hey, that's for a class, so i don't fault you. I'd gladly suffer it a million times.
I do know know what Mr. Ballou's education background was but I cannot even imagine the most highly literate person of our times with the highest academia credentials could match this correspondence to his dear loved Sarah.....stunning and as I write this and listen I feel the hairs on the back of my head stand up and chills abound all over me.....so beautiful!
Its a lost art to write this beautiful and emotional. I wish that one day we will once again be able to write with the raw emotion yet reserve that is clearly written within this letter, meant for just a few eyes and ears, but echoing for all the soldiers in the Civil War
of course manny union man dont fought for the slaves freedom but the are heroes some indeed fought for the freedom of the slaves but some also to keep there coverment a story like this is realy sad
This letter was played at my mom's funeral when I was a little girl and every time I hear it I think of her. His view of death helped her face her death. And it has helped me throughout the years.
@moserr11 no you don't. It depressing to the extent of contemplating suicide if they don't love you back . love no one , you'll be better off that way
@Phoenixforce75 I wish you wouldn't say that. If Confederates were to hear or see this, they would have listened to what Ballou would have had to say. It's almost impossible to believe, but these two sides had SO MUCH respect for each other, that their convictions of their enemies transcended cause altogether. Chivalry was a different thing then, and the mythos surrounding this war is surreal. Ballou belongs in the pantheon of great men who fought in this war. No more. No less.
I fail to see how anyone could say that Sullivan Ballou's politics were" disgusting" unless of course you somehow support slavery, at which point your opinion is pretty much worthless in my book. Maj. Ballou was a hero, who set aside his political career in the Rhode Island legislature to fight for the preservation of his country and against the evils of human bondage. How many politicians these days do you see enlisting in the service to fight for their country?
This is perhaps one of the most moving things ever broadcast since the invention of Television. Thank you, Ken Burns. I have this letter on parchment framed on my wall, thanks to a donation years ago to my local PBS station.
@MrStantheman98 I can understand the love of family, but country and government are two different things. Sullivan Ballou died tragically, loved his wife and two children understandably, but his politics were disgusting.
Who could possibly dislike this? Surely this is one of the most moving letters in history and even a staunch pacifist should be able to acknowledge that. Thanks muchly for posting this!
i wonder if there are any descendants of sullivan ballou still living ? they must be very proud of this terrific letter and that someone could feel this way about his life, family, and country especially during a tough time
Perhaps one of the most beautiful -- if not THE most beautiful -- letters penned in history. This man loved so much. It's impossible not to be moved to tears upon hearing this the first time.
We should all be so lucky and blessed to receive a letter half as moving and heartfelt as this from a loved one sometime in our lives. Magnificent and gut-wrenching.....
Why does any of the politics matter? This is a man who is writing a final devotion to his wife, in the belief that he is going to die. It is outside of politics and outside of culture.
I am a Canadian and I love this music and extract from this super documentary on a searing literally piece of American history. Deep mature love epxressed in poetic terms and with a tragic history emeshed throughout: a war and the permanent demise of such a deep bond highlights the larger American societal divides between North and South; Slave versus Free; Federal versus State rights, etc....
I can remember when I was a child in 11th grade and saw this for the first time. It had a profound effect on me and helped me to understand history in a way that nothing else had up until that point.
I went on to purchase the complete documentary for $100 (which was a lot of money to me at the time) and would eventually go on to study the Civil War and American history for years, outside of school.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that it changed my life.
May the reading & music makes one man's pain & love live with all of us. He considered himself a patriot for all people by giving teeth to the continuance of the govt. Had the US dissolved the history of the world would be far different. In the coming years americans will be sorely tried. Everyone in school should have to hear and read this letter & discuss the meaning of liberty & duty. Sullivan Ballou may have been the greatest american of the common folk.
I love this part! So lovely! Beautiful!! This is the kinda thing I want to write to my wife! This letter makes you realize the people who matter in life!
I think he means the music. Its a bit out of keeping with the theme I have to agrree although I certainly appreciated the facts. A for effot b for execution ;)
thx, for the video .it seems, people that know love ,love this video.and people that don't, are angered by it ..guess i'm one of the lucky ones that loves it.
this kind of bickering regarding this video is so prevalent in today's generation. A man on this post, pours his heart out about the love of his wife and his country. A man so brave he is facing death square in the face. Yet with all its hallowed conviction and intense passion, it falls so flat in the middle of a childish squabble. Its really a shame. And it only gets worse from here.
@MrMikailus I read exactly what you read and you're right it isn't snobbery. In fact it's the opposite of snobbery: it's abject ignorance and lack of sophistication that you can't understand that the woman produced this video as a class project. Are you so fucking dense that you didn't read her comments stating that she was required to include the text and the music? You're Canadian anyway and have no say in the sentiments of the AMERICAN Civil War. Shut the fuck up.
Nuraeareil: thanks for posting the video and ignore commentors like MrMikailus and cainch who have a stick up their ass and can't figure how to get it out.
One of the most touching letters in memory. The music was sublime and captured the essence of the Major Ballou's feelings for his beloved wife. The eloquence of his words brings tears to the eyes and fills your soul with how precious and temporal life is...
@scrapdogs7 ....I agree...and four hateful posts in a row = drunk and/or off meds, and most importantly, tragically separated from the essence and origin of the spirit of America.
So what is greater, the compunction one feels toward one's country to fight for it, defend it or otherwise die for it OR the love one feels for a spouse, children or family, in general??? It is a really hard call, but I agree completely with Ballou's sentiment. It seems as though our liberty and freedom are worth dying for, especially if it means providing those intangible things for loved ones. And I think Ballou conveys this clearly with his letter, which gets to me every time I read it.
Such love can't be destroyed, it may sound silly but in all manner and means it's immortal. It shows the best in Soldiers and the best in human beings. None of the faux gun slinging the fools in our media have poisoned us with. I hope that the spirit of Major. Ballou can guide us all today in what it truly means to love and to fight for true and unabashed freedom.
In the words of UNION General William Tecumseh Sherman, "War is hell." I live in Pennsylvania but have sympathy for both sides. I'm related to General Lee after all. I think that this letter, with the musical accompaniment, is one of the most touching things to come out of the Civil War.
@ford47hotrod you cant judge a group of people by the acts of the few, how do those confederates represent the whole Confederacy. The north did some horrible things too, look at camp David. (i think thats the name)
@robpete82 I think cainch's point was that all the stuff BEFORE the letter was just fluff and crap. In some aspects he's right. But as its a class project it can also be overlooked.
When people spend time in deep thought (rather than business and multitasking) they are capable of creating moving and thoughtful letters. Our industrialized modern world does not allow this kind of introspection, thus, loosing the art of letter writing. Second Major Ballou is making love to his wife through his words - his only way to touch her before he dies. The Victorians prized their private written thoughts. Yes it helps "connect" but are we not voyours in this intamate exchange?
I love both the songs 'The Battle Hymn Republic' and 'Ashokan Farewell'. I like how you added the songs to your project, cause it sets a good tone for the gravity of the letter.
Thank you for posting this! We first heard of this by a song called "Sullivan" by Audra Mae. You must download it and give it a listen, she does the letter justice with her song.
It's too easy to forget what Kens Burns brought to us with the Civil War. That documentary gave to us a perpective of who we are and where we come from. From an obscure history lesson prodded upon us in school, I learned truly the full depth and meaning of the history that is ours and how it still affects our lives today and the future yet to come.
This is so, so beautiful. Sullivan Ballou's love for Sarah and our country are expressed poetically in this letter, and I am deeply grateful this letter has survived more than 140 years. Hearing it again, this letter reminds me of Ambrose Bierce's "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge", in that the main character's deep love of his wife transcends war and death- just like Sullivan's.
It's a shame you diminished Ballou's letter with all of that gaudy crap in the beginning of your video. Why do you feel compelled to use his work (and selfless death) to garnish your cheap, faux patriotism?
@cainch You find written facts gaudy? If you're confused about this video--or any video on youtube--you should read the information. This was a class assignment. The text was necessary, as was the inclusion of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. I didn't make this video to simply get a video popular on youtube, I posted it here so I wouldn't get an F in case the DVD I burned didn't work in class! LoL
I am obviously in no position to judge the level of your patriotism. Clearly anyone who would share this video on youtube is a patriot, but I do side with cainch in that the beginning could either be done away with or somehow redone. It does ruin the mood of the entire piece. I am speaking strictly on aesthetics here. I know your intentions are pure.
@Nuraeariel Well, I enjoyed it. I actually appreciated the background info about Mr. Ballou. To all who criticize the beginning... GROW UP already! This was NOT made for Youtube or to advance any kind of political agenda.
By the way, I am a liberal and I personally oppose war, but I DO have the utmost respect for those who choose to give their life for this country, and I pray for our troops. The U.S. has its faults for sure, but it is my home and I salute those who defend it.
@Superbook4Eva fuckyou lib i fought in iraq and afghan and i dont care what you or akimbo or that prick obama think i fought did you no you just sat there and jerked off to online porn.. drop your salinsky books and really learn something... i took a pledge to defend the usa from domestic and foreign terrorist, and your it, mcviegh all the way...superbook read something that is not commie then come talk to me.. and for your info most vets think the same as i do
@w8p8 Looks like someone needs Mommy to remind him to take his medicine. Thanks for that MATURE response to my post. If you would kill someone for no other reason that that they disagree with you, you are NOT what America is about, and you are the REAL problem with this country. And I still respect you and will pray for you though it is obvious you are not deserving of my respect or prayers at all.
@Superbook4Eva i figured that why dont you really read a book not one that those libs in harvard show you cause for real my friend (but not really) they are lieing to you .... and bro i will kill you i was trained to do so under BUSH and yes he is the man.. he at least liked us you know the ones that fought for your stupid ass unlike obama who is killing us
@Nuraeariel I am glad you posted it. Thank you for doing so, even though it was a requirement. I thought the words at the begining were informative, and as an adult I can choose my own opinion, unlike @cainch who can not be exposed to the opinions of others.
@Nuraeariel This tinny version of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is misplaced here... You seem to have felt the need to edit the original Ken Burns but see you wrote it was a project... so ok.. i'll save this version..
@Nuraeariel I don't think cainch was objecting to showing a few facts at the beginning. Rather, it was probably the perky, brass-band version of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and the garish red, white and blue color scheme of the text. The Ballou letter and the Ashokan Farewell piece are so sincere, heartfelt and lyrical--a more understated introduction might have been better. Thanks for the post, though; enjoyed most of it.
@cainch WOW! That was really unnecessarily harsh. Really uncool. Your nastiness was more disrespectful to the memory of Major Ballou than your perception of the beginning of this video.
So many mindless conservative pricks in this world. He's referring to the sort of support our troops, red, white and blue bullshit that you get so much of these days. You know, the sort of stuff that the tea party eats for breakfast. Sullivan Ballou had something to fight for - his words speak for themselves. 200 years later, he would be appalled to see a bloated decaying corporate empire wallowing in moral self-righteousness. The garish bs at the beggining is a downer.
@cainch Cheap, faux patriotism? I have no doubt you would have ridiculed him and do so to the others of us over the years who have worn the uniform. What you are is a little bitch who likes to complain, who loves to see themselves so far beyond the common unwashed rabble and our love of the flag, of our service to the country, all of that. You get to feel so special. I trust the person who went to the trouble of posting this video shares more with Ballou than you ever would.
Tim, what you fail to do is to perceive the instrumental difference between Sullivan ballou and todays imperial mercenaries in uniform. He had something to fight for - a clear moral purpose - the betterment of his country through equality for all. We have that, and then we have children getting napalmed in vietnam, 500,000 dying of dehydration in Iraq after your uniform-wearers cut off their water supply, we have the countless US sponsored dictators world-wide.
@TovarishGlushkov1 What a silly contention you put forth. If not for the United States, you would most likely be under the control of a still powerful Soviet Union, or going back, being a slave of a Nazi world state. As to the sad aspects of war, you don't place any blame on say for example, the VC who committed endless killings of innocents. Your claim of 500,000 dehydration deaths in Iraq is nothing but pure fantasy.
What freedom there is, is thanks to the US military. You are a joke
@TovarishGlushkov1 You may call us imperial mercenaries, but we still lay down our lives on an hourly basis to protect you're right to put us down. You're claim about 500,000 dehydration is utterly false and says alot about your character. You have no concept of the sacrifices that my brothers and I make to preserve the freedom of oppressed peoples throughout the world. I sincerely hope that one day you will have the opportunity and boldness to fight for a cause larger than yourself.
@cainch hey asshole, read something dick... dont talk shit prick... when we take our country back from you libs i hope i am there to hang your ass... god willing
I might be a crazy lib here but disagreeing with a man's opinion isn't grounds to hang him. I have my doubts the lord would get behind that. Let's just simmer down now.
@AkimboJoe theres another crazy lib i'll hang you too prick go fuck yourself... hows obama working out for you dickhead you are the problem this country has... and i only hope i am their to pull the trigger.. have a nice day until.. i come for you when us real AMERICANS take OUR COUNTRY BACK
@cainch your an asshole you deminish his letter by your breathing... i hope all you libs die a painful drawn out death... us real americans that fought for your faggot ass, to have your stupid ideals.. really respect this letter.. go to hell, some of best friends have died fighting for you, and you respect us not... oh god please let me be the one to pull the trigger and put you out of your misery...:)
@cainch Here is a CC to you, "@Nuraeariel I am glad you posted it. Thank you for doing so, even though it was a requirement. I thought the words at the begining were informative, and as an adult I can choose my own opinion, unlike @cainch who can not be exposed to the opinions of others."
If it were not for cheap patriotism, the rest of us would have less control over our destiny. I am a liberal, so don't think this is Glenn Beck talking. An ant bed needs worker ants who believe in the system
I'm so glad I've found this vid! I love Ken Burns' Civil War documentary and this is the 3rd semester that I have used something from Ken Burns. What a beautiful example of a private record!
Thank you. Able bodied men and women who support war, but fail to volunteer in defense of America should have this letter tattoed on their cowardly backside.
Just let the letter be. Nobody will ever have the right to pick it apart. Be it the country or his unconditional love for her, it will live forever in history and in the minds and hearts of Americans as quite possibly the greatest letter ever written. This is one of the many examples of the people of America never talking in such a way again.
Youre missing the point of his letter. He was not speaking to the American people or the government. He was speaking to his wife and pouring out his soul to her. He wanted to do with what could possibly be his last days on earth to let her know how much she meant to him. That was the true meaning of his letter, fuck the country.
Riordan. It is YOU who have missed the point. While Ballou adored his wife, he said very clearly, that country and the duty to preserve the Union came first. "I know how strongly American Civilzation now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us...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". How could you possibly miss this?
He was speaking of how his love for country meant so much to him, but was trying to explain to his wife his unparalleled love for her, and how he wish things did not have to be this way.
If ever a man should be honored, S.B. is that man. There should be a federal holiday fo honor him in a suitable place in DC. & other sites. A granite obelisk or other such marker should be raised to honor this man. His image & with the words of his letter to his wife should be prominent for all to see. This letter is the most moving & heart rending that I have ever heard. Strange how short passages can move people like Lincoln's Gettysburg address. @ 256 words that sum up well our ideals
IF SB is honored then so should the thousands of other union and confederate soldiers who died and left families and childern behind. Its sad to see today that so few people care about the civil war or just handwave it.
If ever such men should be honored, it should be every single man and woman that gives up their liberties on a daily basis for our freedom, Sullivan Ballou is a fine example of that, but trust me, there are plenty more where he came from.
in the era of texting and instant messages we have sadly lost the art of writing letters, handwritten ,thoughtful .. This is the most eloquent letter I can imagine
I saw this in my english lit class. It was rather touching and moving I felt the tears in my eyes sniff sniff tear tear It was so beautiful I was so sad at the ending I wish he could have survived. His family must have been devastated when he died. We will miss him.
This clip was played at my mothers funeral to show her view on death. Every time I hear this I think of his great sacrifice as well as my mother's love.
There were many ironies in the way the Civil War played out. Prior to the war the abolitionist John Brown was arrested by a young lieutenant named Robert E. Lee. When Brown was hung there was a young actor in the crowd observing the execution---his name was John Wilkes Booth, later to become Lincoln's assassin. The first man offered command of the union army was Robert E. Lee, who refused to wage war against his home state of Virginia and became the primary general of the Confederacy.
I suspect you are correct about that, as it is more likely that command of the Union Army, and promotion to the general ranks, would be offered to a Colonel than to a Lieutenant.
What I find stark and harsh about this letter is, when it appeared in Ken Burns' Civil War documentary, you knew from the instant of its sweet but sad manner, you knew what was to become of Sullivan Ballou. There is another instance in this documentary that is similar in its premonitions, where a wife wakes in the middle of the night from a nightmare that her husband had died in battle, only to find out a week later that he had indeed died that very night she had the nightmare. Spooky.
Though Ken Burns romanticizes this point, author Tony Horowitz offers an alternative explanation in his book Confederates in the Attic. He points out that Wilmer McLean was really more of a sugar speculator than a farmer and that rather than moving immediately after the battle to escape war, he moved south because he realized his profits would be better in Southern Virginia. It's also written that he even sold the furniture from the room where the surrender was signed.
his wife never remarried.
maddorisio1 1 week ago
who they hell keeps cutting onions in my room?
ColonelChamberlain 1 week ago
Don't put that hippity hop music before the letter. It is totally inappropriate. Come on. Anyway this is a good letter. Lincoln wrote a letter to a mother had four sons and only one survived "Private Ryan" this story which is true is who the movie is built on.
Glinda2012 1 week ago
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mranonam 2 weeks ago
Simply amazing how it weaves and combines so much in so few words. The best of honest and true patriotism , the humbleness and humility of a godly man, the deep and unbreakable love for his wife ... and the language used is just perfect. I keep a copy in my wallet, as does Ken Burn himself.
lonewulf44 1 month ago 2
Wow.... This was so sad yet so sweet at the same time. I can't imagine what she must have felt while reading that, knowing she would never see her husband again in this lifetime. At least they are together now.
TheVampiressLisa 2 months ago
this was so beautiful! Poor Sarah, probably spent the rest of her life reading, and re-reading that letter, memorizing it to the word, and feeling a chill and a joy along with deep longing every time a breeze came her way!
WildMeemz 2 months ago 2
Great video to have still have online especially since 150th anniversary of this battle just passed. Thank you!!
prusieck 3 months ago
Great video to have online in commemoration of 150th anniversary of this battle. Thank you!!
prusieck 3 months ago
disliking this should be criminal.
I'm an English major, so I've read quite a bit of fiction. But this is the one thing that consistently chokes me up, without fail. An astoundingly beautiful letter, astoundingly heartfelt.
The intro sucks, but hey, that's for a class, so i don't fault you. I'd gladly suffer it a million times.
RealJollyRoger 4 months ago 4
what's the name of the song in the beginning?
xXzorbbasXx 4 months ago
@xXzorbbasXx battle hymn of the republic
marc007bass 3 weeks ago
Perhaps the greatest love letter ever written, and a nicely-assembled presentation. Thank you!
0112RBRC 4 months ago 2
That man was a linguistic sorcerer... "my love for you is deathless".... fuck me thats deep
ntoconnor16 4 months ago 3
"My love for you is deathless." That is one of the most haunting and beautiful lines of poetry I ever have read.
ayansb 5 months ago 9
This comment has received too many negative votes show
god damn yankee got laid out
WHITEEYE12REBORN 6 months ago
I do know know what Mr. Ballou's education background was but I cannot even imagine the most highly literate person of our times with the highest academia credentials could match this correspondence to his dear loved Sarah.....stunning and as I write this and listen I feel the hairs on the back of my head stand up and chills abound all over me.....so beautiful!
Albertanator 6 months ago 15
@Albertanator, I almost cry everytime I listen to the letter during the sound track to the Civil War.
Wolfen443 4 months ago 3
Sullivan Ballou was killed 150 years ago today.
tomelifeisjustonebig 7 months ago 3
Its a lost art to write this beautiful and emotional. I wish that one day we will once again be able to write with the raw emotion yet reserve that is clearly written within this letter, meant for just a few eyes and ears, but echoing for all the soldiers in the Civil War
BatGoose 7 months ago 5
This one makes a grown boy mist up. Every. Single. Time.
1148BucksX2 8 months ago 21
Thank you for your sacrifice, Sullivan, and that of your brave wife.
bobjfs 8 months ago 2
of course manny union man dont fought for the slaves freedom but the are heroes some indeed fought for the freedom of the slaves but some also to keep there coverment a story like this is realy sad
rohan6612 8 months ago
Great video and a beautiful sentiment. Thanks for sharing it.
BradDeanVaughn 9 months ago
This letter was played at my mom's funeral when I was a little girl and every time I hear it I think of her. His view of death helped her face her death. And it has helped me throughout the years.
TheBellTowers 9 months ago
I wished I loved someone this much
moserr11 10 months ago
@moserr11 no you don't. It depressing to the extent of contemplating suicide if they don't love you back . love no one , you'll be better off that way
Baller527 9 months ago
God, how I wish I could express my self as eloquently as Sullivan Ballou could to those I love.
Pimetalz 10 months ago 2
@Pimetalz if you really love them and really know it will be ur last chance to express ur feeling to them ull find the words
Blazerelf 10 months ago
6 dislikes? really?
yosef59 10 months ago 5
@yosef59 Haters gonna hate ;D
Nuraeariel 8 months ago 7
@yosef59
Terrible right ... just don't understand some people.
lonewulf44 7 months ago
@yosef59 Southerners no doubt. Rebel scum.
Phoenixforce75 1 month ago
@Phoenixforce75 im a southerner..
yosef59 1 month ago
@Phoenixforce75 I wish you wouldn't say that. If Confederates were to hear or see this, they would have listened to what Ballou would have had to say. It's almost impossible to believe, but these two sides had SO MUCH respect for each other, that their convictions of their enemies transcended cause altogether. Chivalry was a different thing then, and the mythos surrounding this war is surreal. Ballou belongs in the pantheon of great men who fought in this war. No more. No less.
mranonam 2 weeks ago
I fail to see how anyone could say that Sullivan Ballou's politics were" disgusting" unless of course you somehow support slavery, at which point your opinion is pretty much worthless in my book. Maj. Ballou was a hero, who set aside his political career in the Rhode Island legislature to fight for the preservation of his country and against the evils of human bondage. How many politicians these days do you see enlisting in the service to fight for their country?
adriangunn 10 months ago
@adriangunn the war was fought to keep the country togeather...the democrats went to far ..,like the republicans are now
moecat1000 9 months ago
This is perhaps one of the most moving things ever broadcast since the invention of Television. Thank you, Ken Burns. I have this letter on parchment framed on my wall, thanks to a donation years ago to my local PBS station.
markmh835 10 months ago
i KNOW 6 PEOPLE THAT NEED HELP
w8p8 10 months ago
What an amazing testament to love of family and country. I dont know how you could not be moved by that.
MrStantheman98 11 months ago
@MrStantheman98 I can understand the love of family, but country and government are two different things. Sullivan Ballou died tragically, loved his wife and two children understandably, but his politics were disgusting.
axltyler 10 months ago
Who could possibly dislike this? Surely this is one of the most moving letters in history and even a staunch pacifist should be able to acknowledge that. Thanks muchly for posting this!
Freelancethought 11 months ago
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Freelancethought 11 months ago
I love his epitaph. "I wait for you there, come to me and lead thither my children." It's so sad that he died in the first major battle of the war.
cphill2012 11 months ago
i wonder if there are any descendants of sullivan ballou still living ? they must be very proud of this terrific letter and that someone could feel this way about his life, family, and country especially during a tough time
dodge96neon 11 months ago
150 years later and it's still heartbreaking.
bertmustin 11 months ago
Perhaps one of the most beautiful -- if not THE most beautiful -- letters penned in history. This man loved so much. It's impossible not to be moved to tears upon hearing this the first time.
ShrikeArghast 11 months ago
We should all be so lucky and blessed to receive a letter half as moving and heartfelt as this from a loved one sometime in our lives. Magnificent and gut-wrenching.....
PeterFormaini 11 months ago
Why does any of the politics matter? This is a man who is writing a final devotion to his wife, in the belief that he is going to die. It is outside of politics and outside of culture.
raverkansascity 11 months ago
I am a Canadian and I love this music and extract from this super documentary on a searing literally piece of American history. Deep mature love epxressed in poetic terms and with a tragic history emeshed throughout: a war and the permanent demise of such a deep bond highlights the larger American societal divides between North and South; Slave versus Free; Federal versus State rights, etc....
God Bless the USA!
hospitalship1 11 months ago
@hospitalship1 Amen brother, God bless you.
redriverman2006 11 months ago
after all these years, this still brings a tear to my eye...thank you
nextlifearotti 1 year ago
Wow.
This is moving.
Thank you.
George Vreeland Hill
GeorgeVreelandHill 1 year ago
absolutely beautiful. touching.
thank you.
robobob100 1 year ago
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robobob100 1 year ago
If this doesn't bring a tear to your eye, you are a cold piece of humanity.
scouterjim 1 year ago
I can remember when I was a child in 11th grade and saw this for the first time. It had a profound effect on me and helped me to understand history in a way that nothing else had up until that point.
I went on to purchase the complete documentary for $100 (which was a lot of money to me at the time) and would eventually go on to study the Civil War and American history for years, outside of school.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that it changed my life.
Pdids01 1 year ago
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Pdids01 1 year ago
"Wow! I had no idea this video was going to become so popular!"
It's beautiful and everyone loves beauty. Except maybe the five people who dislike this.
empeegee 1 year ago
"Wow! I had no idea this video was going to become so popular!"
It's beautiful and everyone loves beauty.
empeegee 1 year ago
Thank you for posting this! I tried to go back and find it on my dvd, but I didn't know where it was!Thanks!
geebeeman1 1 year ago
Anyone that does not have a tear in their eye when watching this video has no soul.
mierpaul 1 year ago
May the reading & music makes one man's pain & love live with all of us. He considered himself a patriot for all people by giving teeth to the continuance of the govt. Had the US dissolved the history of the world would be far different. In the coming years americans will be sorely tried. Everyone in school should have to hear and read this letter & discuss the meaning of liberty & duty. Sullivan Ballou may have been the greatest american of the common folk.
aellarex 1 year ago
IMO this was the highlight from a classic series by Ken Burns.
Thanks for posting this video. Great job and I hope you got an A in the class.
rphillips22 1 year ago
If you are not crying by the end of this there is something really wrong .
moserr11 1 year ago
I love this part! So lovely! Beautiful!! This is the kinda thing I want to write to my wife! This letter makes you realize the people who matter in life!
Hairyarmpitlover1 1 year ago
I think he means the music. Its a bit out of keeping with the theme I have to agrree although I certainly appreciated the facts. A for effot b for execution ;)
dukei7673 1 year ago
This letter always tugs no less than three of my heartstrings.
smnoy23 1 year ago
guys please. This is beautiful. This is the sweetest thing I have ever let touch my ears
atalantalatin 1 year ago
This touches me so deeply everytime I watch it...
utube5678176 1 year ago
Its a damn shame people don't write letters like this anymore.
Lasgun91 1 year ago
thx, for the video .it seems, people that know love ,love this video.and people that don't, are angered by it ..guess i'm one of the lucky ones that loves it.
moecat1000 1 year ago
sheesh - so much anger.....
mkeithharris 1 year ago
this kind of bickering regarding this video is so prevalent in today's generation. A man on this post, pours his heart out about the love of his wife and his country. A man so brave he is facing death square in the face. Yet with all its hallowed conviction and intense passion, it falls so flat in the middle of a childish squabble. Its really a shame. And it only gets worse from here.
peetie25 1 year ago
@peetie25 your absolutly right
Gatorfan12e 1 year ago
@MrMikailus I read exactly what you read and you're right it isn't snobbery. In fact it's the opposite of snobbery: it's abject ignorance and lack of sophistication that you can't understand that the woman produced this video as a class project. Are you so fucking dense that you didn't read her comments stating that she was required to include the text and the music? You're Canadian anyway and have no say in the sentiments of the AMERICAN Civil War. Shut the fuck up.
kaysandesses 1 year ago
@MrMikailus Enough with the faux snobbery already. Do the world a favor and shut up.
kaysandesses 1 year ago
Nuraeareil: thanks for posting the video and ignore commentors like MrMikailus and cainch who have a stick up their ass and can't figure how to get it out.
kaysandesses 1 year ago
I Love this video!!!!!! (^.^) Made my family cry when we first head it read....
Cainch, keep your unrefined tongue to yourself. Think your mean thoughts in privacy, please. LOVE the video, Nuraeariel. Keep it up!
TheSamuelLang1 1 year ago
One of the most touching letters in memory. The music was sublime and captured the essence of the Major Ballou's feelings for his beloved wife. The eloquence of his words brings tears to the eyes and fills your soul with how precious and temporal life is...
SuperBrown789 1 year ago
Two people are idiots
scrapdogs7 1 year ago
@scrapdogs7 ....I agree...and four hateful posts in a row = drunk and/or off meds, and most importantly, tragically separated from the essence and origin of the spirit of America.
drzany53 1 year ago
Everytime I see a video of this man's letter to his wife Sarah, It fills me up with pride
for this great Country and it's people. I am an old man now, and spent my time
in the Military. I would go back in the military again if my Country needed me.
It is a shame, that people today do nothing but put America down, enjoy the
freedoms that men like Sullivan Ballou gave their lives for. . They better wake up to that fact. One day,you might be called to defend your freedoms.
John
tailspin37 1 year ago
So what is greater, the compunction one feels toward one's country to fight for it, defend it or otherwise die for it OR the love one feels for a spouse, children or family, in general??? It is a really hard call, but I agree completely with Ballou's sentiment. It seems as though our liberty and freedom are worth dying for, especially if it means providing those intangible things for loved ones. And I think Ballou conveys this clearly with his letter, which gets to me every time I read it.
rmueller66 1 year ago
Take a few moments to listen to the words of a Patriot
jumpbackharley 1 year ago
Such love can't be destroyed, it may sound silly but in all manner and means it's immortal. It shows the best in Soldiers and the best in human beings. None of the faux gun slinging the fools in our media have poisoned us with. I hope that the spirit of Major. Ballou can guide us all today in what it truly means to love and to fight for true and unabashed freedom.
Aurelian603 1 year ago
@ford47hotrod
In the words of UNION General William Tecumseh Sherman, "War is hell." I live in Pennsylvania but have sympathy for both sides. I'm related to General Lee after all. I think that this letter, with the musical accompaniment, is one of the most touching things to come out of the Civil War.
jwateska736 1 year ago
He was a major who fought in front of his men. He was hit in the leg, had it amputated, and died a week later.
Dan8125 1 year ago
precious...
SuperBrown789 1 year ago
@ford47hotrod you cant judge a group of people by the acts of the few, how do those confederates represent the whole Confederacy. The north did some horrible things too, look at camp David. (i think thats the name)
MichaelJCaboose98 1 year ago
@robpete82 I think cainch's point was that all the stuff BEFORE the letter was just fluff and crap. In some aspects he's right. But as its a class project it can also be overlooked.
TheRestlessVagabond 1 year ago
Thank you
Danandvikki1 1 year ago
When people spend time in deep thought (rather than business and multitasking) they are capable of creating moving and thoughtful letters. Our industrialized modern world does not allow this kind of introspection, thus, loosing the art of letter writing. Second Major Ballou is making love to his wife through his words - his only way to touch her before he dies. The Victorians prized their private written thoughts. Yes it helps "connect" but are we not voyours in this intamate exchange?
amgwalsh 1 year ago
I love both the songs 'The Battle Hymn Republic' and 'Ashokan Farewell'. I like how you added the songs to your project, cause it sets a good tone for the gravity of the letter.
ZhealaMarie 1 year ago
@ZhealaMarie NOTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!
irish89055 1 year ago
rest in PEACE Major Ballou
sentient02970 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing your school assignment. A moving insight.
brannoncpa 1 year ago
Thank you for posting this! We first heard of this by a song called "Sullivan" by Audra Mae. You must download it and give it a listen, she does the letter justice with her song.
Love and Glitter,
WGC
WholesomeGayCouple 1 year ago
It's too easy to forget what Kens Burns brought to us with the Civil War. That documentary gave to us a perpective of who we are and where we come from. From an obscure history lesson prodded upon us in school, I learned truly the full depth and meaning of the history that is ours and how it still affects our lives today and the future yet to come.
gattosub 1 year ago
This is so, so beautiful. Sullivan Ballou's love for Sarah and our country are expressed poetically in this letter, and I am deeply grateful this letter has survived more than 140 years. Hearing it again, this letter reminds me of Ambrose Bierce's "Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge", in that the main character's deep love of his wife transcends war and death- just like Sullivan's.
MissGoldenDreams13 1 year ago
If more men were like Sullivan Ballou, the world would be a better place. I hope he met up with Sarah in the afterlife.
hank3rox 1 year ago
It's a shame you diminished Ballou's letter with all of that gaudy crap in the beginning of your video. Why do you feel compelled to use his work (and selfless death) to garnish your cheap, faux patriotism?
cainch 1 year ago
@cainch You find written facts gaudy? If you're confused about this video--or any video on youtube--you should read the information. This was a class assignment. The text was necessary, as was the inclusion of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. I didn't make this video to simply get a video popular on youtube, I posted it here so I wouldn't get an F in case the DVD I burned didn't work in class! LoL
Nuraeariel 1 year ago
@Nuraeariel
I am obviously in no position to judge the level of your patriotism. Clearly anyone who would share this video on youtube is a patriot, but I do side with cainch in that the beginning could either be done away with or somehow redone. It does ruin the mood of the entire piece. I am speaking strictly on aesthetics here. I know your intentions are pure.
Faqir78692 1 year ago
@Nuraeariel If there were a like button for your reply to this, I would push it a thousand times.
just1left2002 1 year ago
@Nuraeariel Thanks for posting and giving the background on the piece. And try not to be baited by trolls. You did a great job.
bookburner451 1 year ago
@Nuraeariel Well, I enjoyed it. I actually appreciated the background info about Mr. Ballou. To all who criticize the beginning... GROW UP already! This was NOT made for Youtube or to advance any kind of political agenda.
By the way, I am a liberal and I personally oppose war, but I DO have the utmost respect for those who choose to give their life for this country, and I pray for our troops. The U.S. has its faults for sure, but it is my home and I salute those who defend it.
Superbook4Eva 1 year ago
@Superbook4Eva fuckyou lib i fought in iraq and afghan and i dont care what you or akimbo or that prick obama think i fought did you no you just sat there and jerked off to online porn.. drop your salinsky books and really learn something... i took a pledge to defend the usa from domestic and foreign terrorist, and your it, mcviegh all the way...superbook read something that is not commie then come talk to me.. and for your info most vets think the same as i do
w8p8 1 year ago
@w8p8 Looks like someone needs Mommy to remind him to take his medicine. Thanks for that MATURE response to my post. If you would kill someone for no other reason that that they disagree with you, you are NOT what America is about, and you are the REAL problem with this country. And I still respect you and will pray for you though it is obvious you are not deserving of my respect or prayers at all.
Superbook4Eva 1 year ago
@Superbook4Eva i figured that why dont you really read a book not one that those libs in harvard show you cause for real my friend (but not really) they are lieing to you .... and bro i will kill you i was trained to do so under BUSH and yes he is the man.. he at least liked us you know the ones that fought for your stupid ass unlike obama who is killing us
w8p8 1 year ago
@Nuraeariel I am glad you posted it. Thank you for doing so, even though it was a requirement. I thought the words at the begining were informative, and as an adult I can choose my own opinion, unlike @cainch who can not be exposed to the opinions of others.
Lucid337 1 year ago
@Nuraeariel This tinny version of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" is misplaced here... You seem to have felt the need to edit the original Ken Burns but see you wrote it was a project... so ok.. i'll save this version..
irish89055 1 year ago
@Nuraeariel I don't think cainch was objecting to showing a few facts at the beginning. Rather, it was probably the perky, brass-band version of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and the garish red, white and blue color scheme of the text. The Ballou letter and the Ashokan Farewell piece are so sincere, heartfelt and lyrical--a more understated introduction might have been better. Thanks for the post, though; enjoyed most of it.
Seasass 1 year ago
@Nuraeariel Ignore him, I think it was nice because it made the audience closer to him in a way :)
Butternut731863 1 year ago
@Nuraeariel thanks for posting this. Probably, my favorite part of the Ken Burns series.
lambowolf 1 year ago
@cainch WOW! That was really unnecessarily harsh. Really uncool. Your nastiness was more disrespectful to the memory of Major Ballou than your perception of the beginning of this video.
darkflower2 1 year ago
@cainch oh god, faux patriotism? kid was doing a school project, some many liberal suckholes in this world.
traderjts 1 year ago
@traderjts
So many mindless conservative pricks in this world. He's referring to the sort of support our troops, red, white and blue bullshit that you get so much of these days. You know, the sort of stuff that the tea party eats for breakfast. Sullivan Ballou had something to fight for - his words speak for themselves. 200 years later, he would be appalled to see a bloated decaying corporate empire wallowing in moral self-righteousness. The garish bs at the beggining is a downer.
TovarishGlushkov1 11 months ago
@cainch Cheap, faux patriotism? I have no doubt you would have ridiculed him and do so to the others of us over the years who have worn the uniform. What you are is a little bitch who likes to complain, who loves to see themselves so far beyond the common unwashed rabble and our love of the flag, of our service to the country, all of that. You get to feel so special. I trust the person who went to the trouble of posting this video shares more with Ballou than you ever would.
TiminPhoenix 1 year ago
@TiminPhoenix
Tim, what you fail to do is to perceive the instrumental difference between Sullivan ballou and todays imperial mercenaries in uniform. He had something to fight for - a clear moral purpose - the betterment of his country through equality for all. We have that, and then we have children getting napalmed in vietnam, 500,000 dying of dehydration in Iraq after your uniform-wearers cut off their water supply, we have the countless US sponsored dictators world-wide.
TovarishGlushkov1 11 months ago
@TovarishGlushkov1 What a silly contention you put forth. If not for the United States, you would most likely be under the control of a still powerful Soviet Union, or going back, being a slave of a Nazi world state. As to the sad aspects of war, you don't place any blame on say for example, the VC who committed endless killings of innocents. Your claim of 500,000 dehydration deaths in Iraq is nothing but pure fantasy.
What freedom there is, is thanks to the US military. You are a joke
TiminPhoenix 11 months ago
@TiminPhoenix well said... thanks
irish89055 11 months ago
@irish89055 You are quite welcome Irish.
TiminPhoenix 11 months ago
@TovarishGlushkov1 You may call us imperial mercenaries, but we still lay down our lives on an hourly basis to protect you're right to put us down. You're claim about 500,000 dehydration is utterly false and says alot about your character. You have no concept of the sacrifices that my brothers and I make to preserve the freedom of oppressed peoples throughout the world. I sincerely hope that one day you will have the opportunity and boldness to fight for a cause larger than yourself.
Jesse0010110 9 months ago 2
@cainch oh boy do I agree with this.
bookkeeper57 1 year ago
@cainch hey asshole, read something dick... dont talk shit prick... when we take our country back from you libs i hope i am there to hang your ass... god willing
w8p8 1 year ago
@w8p8
I might be a crazy lib here but disagreeing with a man's opinion isn't grounds to hang him. I have my doubts the lord would get behind that. Let's just simmer down now.
AkimboJoe 1 year ago
@AkimboJoe theres another crazy lib i'll hang you too prick go fuck yourself... hows obama working out for you dickhead you are the problem this country has... and i only hope i am their to pull the trigger.. have a nice day until.. i come for you when us real AMERICANS take OUR COUNTRY BACK
w8p8 1 year ago
Comment removed
AkimboJoe 1 year ago
@cainch your an asshole you deminish his letter by your breathing... i hope all you libs die a painful drawn out death... us real americans that fought for your faggot ass, to have your stupid ideals.. really respect this letter.. go to hell, some of best friends have died fighting for you, and you respect us not... oh god please let me be the one to pull the trigger and put you out of your misery...:)
w8p8 1 year ago
@cainch Here is a CC to you, "@Nuraeariel I am glad you posted it. Thank you for doing so, even though it was a requirement. I thought the words at the begining were informative, and as an adult I can choose my own opinion, unlike @cainch who can not be exposed to the opinions of others."
If it were not for cheap patriotism, the rest of us would have less control over our destiny. I am a liberal, so don't think this is Glenn Beck talking. An ant bed needs worker ants who believe in the system
Lucid337 1 year ago
@cainch dumbass
arvydas0069 1 year ago
@arvydas0069 Second that.
kaysandesses 1 year ago
Comment removed
SilkyP 1 year ago
@cainch You are a jerk.
rperryblue 1 year ago
A part of me wishes that we stil talked with this sort of stirring descriptors and lyricism.
JamesBond2777 1 year ago
God Bless America.
lacouerfairy 1 year ago
Thank you for giving us the chance to enjoy it. A reenactor with the 6th. Kentucky Dismounted Calvary Regt. with Gen. Hardy's Corp. (CSA)
caretaker50 1 year ago
beautiful and moving.
5grosvenor 1 year ago
I'm so glad I've found this vid! I love Ken Burns' Civil War documentary and this is the 3rd semester that I have used something from Ken Burns. What a beautiful example of a private record!
treblemaker21 1 year ago
this is an awesome video that we had to watch in history thx for putting it on here
Twilight101ify 1 year ago
Thank you. Able bodied men and women who support war, but fail to volunteer in defense of America should have this letter tattoed on their cowardly backside.
eastonsteve 1 year ago
Just let the letter be. Nobody will ever have the right to pick it apart. Be it the country or his unconditional love for her, it will live forever in history and in the minds and hearts of Americans as quite possibly the greatest letter ever written. This is one of the many examples of the people of America never talking in such a way again.
rodriguezjose12 2 years ago
Great letter.
thefuelman1 2 years ago
Thank you for this presentation.
gemathena 2 years ago
I cried.
geekvintage 2 years ago
Youre missing the point of his letter. He was not speaking to the American people or the government. He was speaking to his wife and pouring out his soul to her. He wanted to do with what could possibly be his last days on earth to let her know how much she meant to him. That was the true meaning of his letter, fuck the country.
Riordan556 2 years ago
Riordan. It is YOU who have missed the point. While Ballou adored his wife, he said very clearly, that country and the duty to preserve the Union came first. "I know how strongly American Civilzation now leans on the triumph of the Government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us...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". How could you possibly miss this?
skyrocket2u 2 years ago
He was speaking of how his love for country meant so much to him, but was trying to explain to his wife his unparalleled love for her, and how he wish things did not have to be this way.
engl4nd24 2 years ago
@engl4nd24 I think that it's fair to just let the letter speak for itself. Everyone is trying to pick it apart, but you have it spot on.
JeevesReturns 2 years ago
If ever a man should be honored, S.B. is that man. There should be a federal holiday fo honor him in a suitable place in DC. & other sites. A granite obelisk or other such marker should be raised to honor this man. His image & with the words of his letter to his wife should be prominent for all to see. This letter is the most moving & heart rending that I have ever heard. Strange how short passages can move people like Lincoln's Gettysburg address. @ 256 words that sum up well our ideals
nor888vast695 2 years ago
IF SB is honored then so should the thousands of other union and confederate soldiers who died and left families and childern behind. Its sad to see today that so few people care about the civil war or just handwave it.
SunTzu176 2 years ago
If ever such men should be honored, it should be every single man and woman that gives up their liberties on a daily basis for our freedom, Sullivan Ballou is a fine example of that, but trust me, there are plenty more where he came from.
engl4nd24 2 years ago
in the era of texting and instant messages we have sadly lost the art of writing letters, handwritten ,thoughtful .. This is the most eloquent letter I can imagine
jbdmed 2 years ago
I love that the author of this beautiful
moving letter was a (supposedly) unfeeling, cold-hearted lawyer. I know so many great lawyers (I'm not one) and that stereotype is so unfair.
By the way, the guy who wrote the words to Danny Boy?? Also a lawyer!!! lol
MissyHolland 2 years ago
This was probably the most moving part of the series.
tnecklover 2 years ago
I saw this in my english lit class. It was rather touching and moving I felt the tears in my eyes sniff sniff tear tear It was so beautiful I was so sad at the ending I wish he could have survived. His family must have been devastated when he died. We will miss him.
37Clone 2 years ago
Its been about 150 years :P He's in the same condition either way, and I think most families felt the same about it, letter or not :P
Robertz1986 2 years ago
I also heard this in my english class! I agree completely though
dooglesbee 2 years ago
This clip was played at my mothers funeral to show her view on death. Every time I hear this I think of his great sacrifice as well as my mother's love.
thisisratherstupid 2 years ago
I can't begin to describe how beautiful this is.
MikeTorrez83 2 years ago
There were many ironies in the way the Civil War played out. Prior to the war the abolitionist John Brown was arrested by a young lieutenant named Robert E. Lee. When Brown was hung there was a young actor in the crowd observing the execution---his name was John Wilkes Booth, later to become Lincoln's assassin. The first man offered command of the union army was Robert E. Lee, who refused to wage war against his home state of Virginia and became the primary general of the Confederacy.
HAMLETSGHOST100 2 years ago
very ironic...I think Lee was a Colonel at the time of the John Brown raid...
daysailor4055 2 years ago
I suspect you are correct about that, as it is more likely that command of the Union Army, and promotion to the general ranks, would be offered to a Colonel than to a Lieutenant.
HAMLETSGHOST100 2 years ago
this is brilliant.
unfortunately these days most women would go for an 'exciting' guy who treats them badly, rather than a real man who is devoted and loyal...
gjack80 2 years ago
to bad that I didn't have any USA history yet
Haroldludzoo 2 years ago
What I find stark and harsh about this letter is, when it appeared in Ken Burns' Civil War documentary, you knew from the instant of its sweet but sad manner, you knew what was to become of Sullivan Ballou. There is another instance in this documentary that is similar in its premonitions, where a wife wakes in the middle of the night from a nightmare that her husband had died in battle, only to find out a week later that he had indeed died that very night she had the nightmare. Spooky.
pliskin555 2 years ago
What about Wilbur Maclean!!??
His home at Manassas/BullRun, then moving away from WAR to Appomattox.
A707B2 2 years ago
Though Ken Burns romanticizes this point, author Tony Horowitz offers an alternative explanation in his book Confederates in the Attic. He points out that Wilmer McLean was really more of a sugar speculator than a farmer and that rather than moving immediately after the battle to escape war, he moved south because he realized his profits would be better in Southern Virginia. It's also written that he even sold the furniture from the room where the surrender was signed.
Nuraeariel 2 years ago