Sullivan Ballou penned one of the most famous letters of the civil war. As he saw the battle ahead of him he wrote home to his wife Sarah Ballou in Greenville Rhode Isalnd. He wrote about his love of country and the love that juxtaposed it which was his love of family. His two young sons and wife Sarah were what he knew he would lose as he headed into battle at bull run. The letter is beautiful and heartfelt which perhaps is why my father decided to name me after it’s recipient. Sullivan Ballou lost his life and never was able to return home to greenville but what was left behind was an intensely beautiful letter that is preserved in history.