Sullivan Ballou Analysis

Have you ever wondered what Americans would think about freedom today if the Civil War never occurred? The Civil War was a time where the North and South had a conflict with each other for the rights about freedom to slavery. It also brought families having a disagreement whether or not slavery should be allowed. During the time period of the Civil War, many stories were written. For example, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave by Frederick Douglass and “Sullivan Ballou Letter,” written by Sullivan Ballou. All were written to show how their lives were during the Civil War. Both men, Douglass and Ballou were very much impacted by the Civil War, one of them is a slave and the other fighting for his beliefs about freedom.
For example, in the letter of Sullivan Ballou, he writes to his wife how much he cares for his country to be free from slavery and how much he is willing to lose his life for his country. He says,”...and it may be of some conflicts and death to me….If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my Country, I am ready.”(Ballou) Ballou, a man who had a wife and two kids, was willing to lose his life in the battle, than to be with his family during the hard times. In his letter to his wife he wrote, “And I am willing-perfectly willing-to lay down all my joys in this life, to maintain this government, and to pay that debt” (Ballou). It is heartbreaking to think of many people willing to lose their lives for their country and leave their loved ones behind. Ballou writes his feelings in the letter-to his wife- letting her know how sorry he will be if he doesn’t come back. He says, ”If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name” (Ballou). The letter Ballou wrote to his wife is similar to a former slave, Frederick Douglass. Douglass wrote about his days as a young slave, his interest in learning, but most importantly his thoughts about