Tuesday, February 14, 2012

How much we've lost


I came across this letter from Major Sullivan Ballou, written to his wife in 1861 before the Battle of Bull Run and thought it worthy of sharing on Valentine' Day.  As someone who is often clumsy when expressing my love for my wife, I marvel at the literate nature of this man's devotion.  Listening to this beautiful letter, I am reminded that despite our advances in science, human rights and our standard of living, we have become a coarse and cynical culture.  How can one hear the eloquence and passion of this soldier's prose and not recognize how much we've lost?

3 comments:

James T Wood said...

Challenge accepted. I wrote my wife a love letter. We'll see how it goes over.

Anonymous said...

I cried. that was beautiful!

Anonymous said...

oh that was me...
Kathleen