Transcription interpretation by Thomas LaVoy

The text is based on a Civil War letter written by Sullivan Ballou on 
the eve of his death in the Second Battle of Bull Run in August 1862


Sarah, I can’t describe to you this night.
Two thousand men around me lie sleeping;
The last before death. 

And I, knowing I too may die,
Am communing with God, my country
And thee.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless;
It seems to bind me with mighty cables
That none but God can break.

And yet my duty bears me on, 
With all these chains,
To the battlefield.

Sarah, never forget how much I love you;
That when my last breath escapes me, 
It will whisper your name.
Forgive the pains that I have caused you,
Forgive my foolishness, forgive my thoughtlessness. 

O is this weakness, is this dishonorable-
That, having lived as an orphan,
I would feed that bitter fruit to my own children?

Sarah, if the dead can come back
And move around those they loved,
I shall always be near you.

Sarah, do not think me dead –
Think I am gone, and wait for thee,
For we shall meet again.