Monday, April 19, 2010

Civil War Letters

One of the reasons that we know so much about the Civil War is due to the letters, diaries and journals that soldiers on both sides wrote and kept. More common people than ever before were educated, and they wrote about their experiences and feelings, hopes and fears.

The Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) was fought on July 21, 1861. Sullivan Ballou of Rhode Island, a major in the Union army wrote this letter to his wife one week before the fighting. He died in the first few minutes of the battle. J.W. Reid was a Confederate soldier from South Carolina. He survived the war.

1. What was Sullivan Ballou's motivation to volunteer and fight from the Union? Cite two quotes from the letter to back up your response.
2. After Ballou's death, his widow, Sarah, was left to raise two sons by herself. If you were in her position, would you support or oppose continuing the war? Why or why not?
3. In your opinion, which of the two letters was closer to that of a typical Civil War soldier? Why?

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stephanie S./Adan M.
Peroid.2nd
4/19/10

1. Sullivan was motivated to volunteer for the war because he felt that american civilization had a great debt and the owe to those who went beforeus through the blood and suffering of the revloution. he also volunteer because he wnted to help maintain this government and to pay the debt.

2. if we were in her postion we would appose the war because its hard to raise to kds alone especaily when they grow up saying wat happen to there father,

3.the letter to mother and father was more closer to the civil war because it explains more!

Anonymous said...

Stacey M. & Juan C. per.2

1. To fight for his country was his motivation and to maintain the goverment. "I am willing to lay down all my joys to help maintain this goverment, and to pay the dept".

2. I would oppose continuing war because in order to take care of 2 children you need money and support from a father.

3. I think that the letter that was closer to a typical war soldier was the sullivan [Ballou] because alot of the soldiers left their wives alone with their children.

Anonymous said...

Gema O. and Antonio Per.2

1) He wants to serve his country because he said,"If it is nessecary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country.

2.) I think I would be oppose because it's not fair that they have to give their lives just for a getting something someone else wants.

3.) I think that the second letter is closer because it gives more details and what is going on.

Anonymous said...

Pablo N.
Jackie M.
P.2

1.)Sullivan Ballou's motivation to volunteer to fight from the union was his wife."Sarah, my love for you is deathless'

2.)I would oppose the war because the sons are going to grow up without a dad just for a war that they could of solved another way

3.)It was the union because he aw his soldries an he knew they were going too die

Anonymous said...

Emily O. & Ashley V.
Per 2


1.blood and suffering of the revoloution

2.if i were in her position oppose because my kids saftey would more important than anything else so i would take my kids out of anywhere that would cause them harm!
3.my opinion is J.W.Reid was a closer letter because he talks about the war more than Sullivan.

Anonymous said...

David S. & Adrian DLT P2


1.

2.I would because they need supervision and they will probrably be sent to war.

3.I think J.W. Reid's letter because he talked about going to war and what happened.

Anonymous said...

P.2 Ernesto C. & Gabriel V.

1. He wanted to fight for his country because "I should fall on the battlefield for my country" and the "Blood and suffering of the Revolution".

2. If I was in her position I would oppose the war because you don't really have time to fight and take care of our kids and your children are more important to you then the war.

3. The one written J. R. Reid because it talks about the war that he is in and is describing what is happening like a report for the war.

Anonymous said...

Period.2
Diana R. & Annabel G.


1. What was Sullivan Ballou's motivation to volunteer and fight from the Union? Cite two quotes from the letter to back up your response.

His motivation was that he wanted to fight.



2. After Ballou's death, his widow, Sarah, was left to raise two sons by herself. If you were in her position, would you support or oppose continuing the war? Why or why not?

She should oppose it.


3. In your opinion, which of the two letters was closer to that of a typical Civil War soldier? Why?

Mentioned fighting.

Anonymous said...

P2.Bellana O. & Crystal W.

1)His motivation was to pay the debt he owe to the government. "If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country." "a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffereing of the Revolution."
2)We would opposed because you may lose the ones you love and also war is not the answer to your problems.
3)J.W. Reid letter was more closer to a Civil War soldier because he explains more of what has happen in the war

Anonymous said...

Carlos M. p2 4/19/12

1.It says that she wants to fight if she wants to.It also says that she will fight for what she wants.

2.I would oppose because i belive in peace.

3.Sullivan because it mentions fighting.

Anonymous said...

P2. MARTIN Z. BRYANT S.

1. His wife was the motavation in his life


2.i would not surpport the war because they killed the dad .

3.i think th mother and father one because it says tht the cannon fly every were.

Anonymous said...

Deana D. & Daisy R. Per.2

1.)One quote it says "i must maintain this government, and to pay that debt." Also a other quote "American Civilization now leas upon the triumph of government."

2.)?

Anonymous said...

Ivan . G & Stephanie O.
p.3
1.Sullivan has a love for hs country that calls himr to the. "My ove of country vomes over me like a strong wind", And bear me irresistably on with all those chais to the battlefild
2.Iwoud oppos becas the rsons of the war is not wert the lost.
3. The J.W. Reid. becuse it choas the true horor of war

Anonymous said...

period 3. Veronica Leiva And Anais Orozco

1. His motivation was to maintain a government, that he'd be willing to fight for the government, and he'd be willing to die for his country.
"...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..."
"...and yet, my love of country comes over me like a strong wind, and bears me irresistably on with all those chains, to the battlefield..."

2. If I were in her position, I would oppose the war. First of all war is wrong altogether, and second of all, I would not continue supporting the war that my husband died in. Thanks to the war I would be left alone with two children to take care of, my husband would be dead.

3. We think that the letter to the parents was more of a typical Civil War soldier because in the letter it talks about how they are firing as fast as they could and he also saw the dead soldiers over the battle field.

Anonymous said...

Per:3 Esmeralda V. & Sandra C.
1) Sullivan Ballou volenteered for fighting for the union because he said "I am willing, perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this GOVERMENT AND TO PAY THAT DEBT...."
2) We would say to oppose the war. Sure it is for a good cause but it is hurting, killing the ones we love.
3) In our opinion the letter that was closer to that of a Typical Civil War soldier was the letter to his mother and father, why? because it talks about the war exactly on what was going on.

Anonymous said...

Hugo S. & Stephanie D. p.3
1."If it is neccesary that i should fall on the battle feild for my country"
'...perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintane this government."
2.No because you woud realize that war is bad and it kills inocent people
3.i think the J.W Reid letter was closer to a civil war soldier letter beacause he describes the battle feild with more detail.

Anonymous said...

P.3 Ramiro B. Valerie B.

1. His motivtion was to protect his country.
"... and bears me with irresistibility on with all those chains to the battle field....."
"... my love of country comes over me like a strong wind..."
2. I would oppose because I wouldn't want to happen to any one else and have to support their children by there selfs.
3. The second one because it gives more detail and it chooses the situations they faced.

Anonymous said...

Per.3 Alan P Javier C
1) "am communing with god, my country thee."
"Not my will yours ."
2)I would oppose the war so many men wont die and be like Sarah.
3) my opinion was the letter to his wife cause he died easy when they entered the war .

Anonymous said...

Per.3 Alan P Javier C
1) "am communing with god, my country thee."
"Not my will yours ."
2)I would oppose the war so many men wont die and be like Sarah.
3) my opinion was the letter to his wife cause he died easy when they entered the war .

Anonymous said...

Per.1 Eric Lucero & Vanessa Barrios

1.if it is necssary that i should fall on the battle field for my country,I am ready i know how strongly American civilization now leens upon the triumph of gov.

2.I would suport even thuough i lost a loved one becuase my country comes over me like a strong wind,and bears me irresistably on with all those chains,to the battlefield.

Anonymous said...

P.3 Jorge C. 4/19/10

1. He wanted to be in the war beacause he wanted to help out his government.

2. i will continue the war because it is helping out the slaves.

3. J.W was more about the war it talks about cannons and everthing.

Anonymous said...

Anaid R. and Joselyn C. period:3

1. He wanted to fight because he wanted the experience of a war."I would have encountered war and its consequences"."I gave the particular war a good fight".

2. We would not support the war because they are leaving us two children to raise by ourself with not that much money to buy food or water.

3. the letter we choose is the J.W Reid because it talks more about the war and discribes how he feels and how the war was happening .

Anonymous said...

Kimberly Alcantar Per.3


1)" 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"....

2) I would oppose to the war because i would not risk the chances of me loosing my kids just for a war that is probably not worth it

3)

Anonymous said...

Joshua F. Carlos H. period 3

1)


2) They should support continuing the war so when its over there will be peace.

3)

Anonymous said...

Period:3 Alisson D. & Perla M.

1:The motivation was that he was fighting for his wife and his country.
Sarah,my love for you my feelings on this clam summer ight, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enoying the last, perhaps, before that of death,_ and i, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with god, my coutry and the...

2:If i were in her position i would have oppose of the war because the men that fought in the war have lost there life and who would now taking care of there famly.

3:i think that the

Anonymous said...

hector f. steven l. per.3

1.'my love of country comes over me like a strong win'

2.Yes to kill the people from the other team for killing my man.

3.we liked thereid letter because it was very sad about what happened in the battle

Anonymous said...

Ofelia R. & Vanesa E. Period 3

-Sullivan volunteer for the war because he had a relly big love for the union.

Anonymous said...

Per 3 Sergio O. Eric P.

1.Sullivan motivation to join the war was to save the and he also feel that he owe a debt to america '' I know strongly American civilization now lead triumph of the government.

Anonymous said...

Period:3 Alisson D. & Perla M.

1:The motivation was that he was fighting for his wife and his country.
Sarah,my love for you my feelings on this clam summer ight, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enoying the last, perhaps, before that of death,_ and i, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with god, my coutry and the...

2:If i were in her position i would have oppose of the war because the men that fought in the war have lost there life and who would now taking care of there famly.

3:i think that the

Anonymous said...

Darlene v. carlos m.
period3

1. "...how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the revolution..." "..and im pefectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government and, to pay that debt." sullivan motivation is to pay that debt that many left to pay during the revolutionary war.

2.We would not oppose to continuing the war becaused , Sarah hadlost her husban as many others like her have and have to eraised thier kids by themselves .

3. I would J.W. Reid becuaused he is young boy leaving his home.

Anonymous said...

Period:3 Alisson D. & Perla M.

1:The motivation was that he was fighting for his wife and his country.
Sarah,my love for you my feelings on this clam summer ight, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enoying the last, perhaps, before that of death,_ and i, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with god, my coutry and the...

2:If i were in her position i would have oppose of the war because the men that fought in the war have lost there life and who would now taking care of there famly.

3:i think that the

Anonymous said...

p4 Diana Ramos, Daniel Macias

1) And how great of debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of he revolution.

2) I Would oppose because Alot Of people Died and Because My Husban died In The war So i wouldnt Suport the war ot continue.

3)The second letter because it tells you more detail about the war and what happend durry the war.

Anonymous said...

P.4 Erik Molina & Diana Rojas

1, sullivan ballou's motivation was that he said that he was going to fall for his country and that he new how strong americans civilization was

2, we would stop the war because he died and people can com to a agreement to live in pace :)

3,the letter of sullivan ballou's because he was saying sorry to his wife for his death and sorry for not being there for his kids

e.reyes&s.lopezP.4 said...

P.4 e.reyes and s. lopez

"i am ready...i know how strongly american civilation now leans upon the triuimph of the goverment,"
"and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and the suffering of the revolution"
yes because they will end up growing up and proud of their poppa.
the sullivian letter because most soldiers would be writing their last woeds and most died

Anonymous said...

per.4
juan salazar

1.hes motivation was hes love sarah,for examplewhen he said "sarah,my love for you is deathless.

2.if i was her i would not sopport him because he has two kids and he might die in battel n she well need sopport and money

3.i think the letter more close is the j.w.reid one because thay want to exprees hes feelings n what he sees to not be tormented in hes head

Anonymous said...

Bianca Rios
Georgina Gonzalez
p.4
1.He wanted to fight for his country.
2.I would oppose the war becaus many men are dying and many wifes are left alone with a huge responsability.
3.I say the 1 in j.w. Reid because he explains better th war how everything was left.

Anonymous said...

David Verdugo

1.

2. i would support it because i wouldn't let his name die in vane

3. Sullivan [Ballou]

Anonymous said...

#1 that he will die fighting for his country ('if its necessary that i should fall on the battlefield for my country)
#2 i would continue the war becase people are fightng for there country,people voulenter to fight

#3 sullivan because most soliders have a family and are it was more sad because he was saying bye to his wife
elizabeth cano
period4

Anonymous said...

Julia L.
period #4
4/19/10
1.

2. If i were in that position i would oppose t=for the war to continue because i wouldn't want someone else to go through the same thing that i was going through.

3. I think that the second letter was closer because most soldiers would do anything for there country to win the war.
And most men were predared to die for there country

Anonymous said...

p4 Juan G Julian R

k<3

1.I am willing, perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maitain this government , and to pay the debt...

if it is necessary that i should fall on the battlefield for my country , i am ready ....

2. i would support the war because thats what ballou would want me to do. Sarah , do not mourn me dear; think i am gone , and wait for me , for we shall meet again.....

3. i think the north letter would be more of a typical soldier letter because it talks bout bravery nd love...

3.

Anonymous said...

Amy Moran & Melissa Aguilar
period 4. april 19, 2010

1.hes ready to fight for hes country , no matter what happens."if it is necessary that i should fall on the battlefield for my country. i am ready.! "revolution i am willing perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this gov't and to pay that debt.

2. I would support the war because there fighting fror their country , and even though Sulliva Ballou died she knows he tried to save the country for the good of hes family and other people.

3.J.w. Reid's letter was closer to a typical Civil War soldier letter because hes telling hes parents everything thats going on on the war.

Anonymous said...

Destiny Murillo per.4 April.19.2010

1)And how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the revolution.

Anonymous said...

Destiny Murillo per.4 April.19.2010

1)And how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the revolution.

Anonymous said...

P.4 Jairo.M Rudy.T

1.) '' I am ready....I know how strongly American civilization now leans upon the triumph of the goverment'' '' My love of country comes over me like a strong wind, and bears me irresistably on with allthos chains,to the battlfield''.

2.) I would oppose continuing the war so no more lifes will be lost.

3.) the letter that sullivan

francisco said...

Francisco Cruz
4/19/10
per4
1.Sullivan Ballou said that he was going to die.''our movment may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure_ and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me.''

2.if i were in his wifes position i would oppose the act of war
3.

Anonymous said...

by- Alejandra Raygoza & Manuel Ornelas per. 4 4/19/10

1. What was Sullivan Ballou's motivation to volunteer and fight from the Union? Cite two quotes from the letter to back up your response.
''If it is nessary that i should fall on the battlefield for my country i am ready .
'' And how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the revolution''

2. After Ballou's death, his widow, Sarah, was left to raise two sons by herself. If you were in her position, would you support or oppose continuing the war? Why or why not?
I would oppose because the war killed my husband i would be mad and want the war to stop because other people might be passing throught the same thing and have to raise their children alone just because the war killed ur husband .

3. In your opinion, which of the two letters was closer to that of a typical Civil War soldier? Why?
I think Sullivian Ballou because he even puts himself on the solider place .

Anonymous said...

Muriel P. and Stephanny S. Period 6
1.His motivation was to pay the debt and help the union ,"How great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the revolution.".." i am willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government."

2. I would oppose because they are killing innocent people that have no reason to be fighting when there can simply be compromises.

3.I think Ballou because he was willing to fight having a family just to defend the union.

Anonymous said...

j.c p.6
1.because he loves his contrey and is going to all limits to protect it.
2,yes because the husband died to keep the contrey and he was willing even with the danger he goes to fight.
3.I think that j.w.reid was more into the war because he showed that people crying,dead,praying,and showd the ground coverd with blood wounded,dead solgers and body parts.

Anonymous said...

Nemesis D. & Juan B. - Per.6



1.) His motivations to fight was the Union.He said, " I know how strongly American civilization now leans upon the triumpt of government."[ Sullivan Ballou] His motivation was to keep the Union together," I am willing,perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government."[Sullivan Ballou 1861]




2.) I would support the war. I do not like violence, but the war was he last hope and resolution for the problem that was at hand. It would be a solution that would stand clear, t help protect those who were never given a voice to stand up for themselves.



3.) In my opinion i think that J.W. Reid was the closest to that if a typical Civil War soldier because his letter gave a clear idea of what the war was like. It had more point behind it because he had experienced the war. He had known what it was like and gave as best as details as he could.

Anonymous said...

P:6 Christian C. Stephanie C.

1. He is fighting for the love of his country and his wife."My love for you is deathless."

2. I would oppose of him continuing the war because he doesn't HAVE to serve for his country.He also has a family to take care of.

3. In my opinion Sullivan Ballou's letter was more like a Civil War soldier because, most soldiers would feel that they weren't going to make it.

Anonymous said...

Alan R. Andrea O. p.6

1.Sullivan's motivation was he felt he owed it to his country to fight and protect it-"perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government,and pay that debt"-"If it is necessary that i should fall on the battlefield for my country,I am ready...."

2. If i was her i would want the war to stop because i think raising 2 sons as a single mother would be very hard

3.i think the J.W Reid because he was talking about the war and how it was like, while sullivan was writing a good-bye to his wife.

Anonymous said...

Michael B. & Misael G. P.6

1. Ballou's motivation was that he believed he should lay down his life to keep together what the revolutionists worked so hard to build. "...perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt..."
"I know how strongly American civilization now leans upon the triumph of government."

2. If we were in her position, we would oppose the war because we wouldn't want what happened to us to happen to anyone else.

3. J.W letter was closer because he was writing to his parents which maybe 99% of Civil War soilders had, and he described the battle which all soilders wish to do.

Anonymous said...

Nancy C. & Michael N p6
1. "Not my will, but [yours], O God be done." "My love over this country comes over me like a strong wind." Sullivan Ballou's motivation to fight is that he loves his country and his wife.
2. I think That she will support it because is the war ends with the Confedrates win, the life of her sons might not make it if the confedrates new that her was the wife of a Union solider.
3. I think that J.W Reid's letter is closer to the Civil war because he write details about it. He tells the plead of the dying and how each side fight.

Anonymous said...

period.6
Sheila
4/19/10


1.His motivation to volunteer and fight from the union is,he beliefs the American civilization are in a debt.'...And how great a debt we owe to those who went before us.."
"I am willing,perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government,and to pay that debt..."

2.I would oppose, because knowing how i feel having to raise two children their was men who had families who were poor and if just One parent was raising the family would be diffucult really really diffucult. I wouldn't like to be in that position.

3.I think that J.W. Reid was closer to that of a typical solider because, he got to expirence what happens in the war and got to see how every thing ended up.

Anonymous said...

perod 6, stephanie o.

1. he volenteered because he feels like he has a debt to those who fought before him. 'if it is necessary that i should fall on the battlefield for my country, i am ready" "I know how strongly American civilization now leans upon the triumph of goverment, and how great of debt we owe to those who went before us...."

2. I would oppose continueing the war. if i was in her position i would have felt alone and with a big responsibility.

3. i think the letter from Sullivan because he was saying his goodbyes and still proud of his fight.

Anonymous said...

Nathalie G. & Jasmin R. P6
Civil War Letters
1)Sullivan Ballou's motivation was to fight in the war."I know how strongly American civilization now leans upon the triumph of government."
"I am willing,perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt..."

2)If We were in Sarah's position we would oppose to be continue to fight in the war because I would need help to raise them,if I were by my own.

3)In our opinion J.W.Reid was the closest to a typical soldier because he gave more a summary of what it was like in the war.What the fields looked like,the people.J.W.Reid had also mentioned that you could even hear the cries of the wounded people on the ground fighting for their lives.

Anonymous said...

Per.6 Hugo T.

1) His country, the dept and his wife was his motivation." I am ready.... I know how strongly American civilization now leans upon the triumph of government, and how great a dept we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution, and I am willing, perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government, and to pay the dept...."
"Sarah, my love for you is deathless"

2) She would oppose the war because it hurts her.

3)The one by Sullivan to his wife.

Anonymous said...

Alexander M. Cythia G. Per.6
1.His motivation was to pay off a debt. The debt that he thought they owed to those who suffered of the revoltion.
-"How great a debt we owe to those who went beore us through blood and suffering of the revolution"
-"I am willilng, perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government, and to pay the debt."
2.We would oppose the continuance of the war because men are taken away from their families without any guaranty that they will return.
3.We think that the J.W. Reid letter was closer to a typical civil war soilder because he described the civil war with much specific detail that would make the mind unbeliveable.

Anonymous said...

Marina P. &Brandon O. P.6

1.Sullivan Ballou is willing to die to maintain his government and he thinks he needs to pay a debt to his counrty. He thinks fighting would pay the debt. "I am willing, perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government , and pay that debt..." "I shall fall on the battlefield for my country"

2.We wouldnt support the continuation of the war because we'd feel miserable nd wouldnt be able to support a family. We wouldnt want other families to experience the same sadness.

3.I think that J.W.Reid's letter is closer to that of a typical Civil War soldier because he talks mostly about all the death and pain around him.

Anonymous said...

P.6 Jasmin H. & Alexandra G.

1. I think that the motivation behind Sullivan was his love of the union, after all he was a lawyer, and his love for the nation that our ancestors called America. He said, and I quote," I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of government..." He also stated,"... and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution..."

2. I think I would support continuing the war because I wouldn't want my husband to have died for nothing, I would support it in hopes of a victory.

3. I thought that the letter from J.W.Reid was more closer and typical for a Civil War Soldier. I thought so because he was writing about the war and how scarce it was for him. He also had so much emphasis on the weaponry and the sounds they made. It sounded like a war to both of us.

Anonymous said...

Abraham L. & Arturo V. p.6

1. " If it is necessary tht I should fall on the battlefield for my country."

"I am willing, perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government, and to pay that dept.

2. I would oppose because if the war continues fathers of children will keep on dieing in the war.

3. J.w Reid was closer because he explain the battle more from beginning to end.

Pedro C. and Joob G. Per.6 said...

1.His motivation to fight in the war was his love for his country ;)
"and I,suspicious that death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country and thee..."
"And yet my love for my country comes over me like a strong wind, and bears me irrestablyon with all those chains, to the battlefield..."
2.We would oppose because when the two boys get older they wiould get draftedm into the war.
3. The letter that was closer to that of a typical soldier was J.W reid's because he decribed everything.

Anonymous said...

Carla Z. & Patricia A.
P.6
1.) Sullivan Ballou's motivation to volunteer and fight for the Union was to maintain the government and pay the debt for those soldiers who died for them in the Revolution.
" ...We owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution , 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...."

2.) If I was in Sarah's position I would oppose the war because the only thing the war brought to her was pain and suffering because her husband passed away and now she is lonely and needs help.

3.)In my opinion the letter of Sullivan Ballou was closer to that of a typical Civil War soldier because it said what most soldiers would say like , i may die and most soldiers would basically say there last words incase they died.

Anonymous said...

Leslie.B & iSaac J.!
Per.6

1. His motivation was the for the people that suffered before in the Revolution.

Quote:
1. "I am ready..I know how strongly American civilization now leans upon the triumph of government,and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution.
2. "I am willing,perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government and to pay the debt..."


2.I would oppose it because it would of been to much responsibility and alot of work for one person.


3.I think the July 30 because it talked about the war and what happened.

M. Albert said...

The letters are certainly compelling -- it's almost like you know the writer after reading the letter. Sullivan Ballou was a typical volunteer in the Civil War -- he fought out of a sense of patriotism and duty to pay the "debt" owed to the founding generation. No one know how Mrs. Ballou would have felt, but many of the widows and families of the Civil War fallen supported the war, so that their loved ones would not have "died in vain."