This, THIS is honorable manhood

By Elizabeth Prata

In July 1861, Union Officer Sullivan Ballou wrote a letter to his wife, Sarah. He was facing the First Battle of Bull Run, and he knew he might never return. Below, please listen to the letter read on the PBS program “The Civil War.”

It is from a man who was a loving husband and father. It is from a courageous soldier committed to the cause of our representative government. It is from a man who thanked his God for his blessings. It is from an articulate, sensitive man. It is from a man looking death in the eye and doing his duty anyway. It is from a man unflinchingly committed to duty, honor, virtue, love, country, and God.

Christian writer and Georgia teacher's aide who loves Jesus, a quiet life, art, beauty, and children.


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