MAJ. SULLIVAN BALLOU 2ND REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND VOLUNTEERS 1827-1861

SULLIVAN BALLOU LETTER Reproduced on a 34" x 12.5" scroll. Mailed in a protective tube. ORDER NOW

On July 14, 1861, Major Sullivan Ballou of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry sat alone in a tent at Camp Clarke in Washington, DC. He knew, as did most of the other soldiers, that the movement south was nearly upon them and that, in the very near future, he was to do battle with the Confederate Army. Not knowing if he would ever get another opportunity, Sullivan Ballou composed a letter to his loving wife Sarah, at home in Rhode Island with their two young sons. One week later he was killed when a cannon ball shattered his leg and killed his horse at the First Battle of Bull Run.

Though Ballou was only 34 at the time of his death, he had many noteworthy achievements to his credit, including serving as Town Moderator for Central Falls in the 1850's and twice being unanimously elected Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It was this letter to his wife, however, for which he will always be remembered.

His words professed his eternal love for Sarah, his unwavering belief in his cause, and his heartfelt desire for the happiness of his sons. It is a truly moving and beautifully written piece which, to this day, serves as a glowing testimonial to the strength of the human spirit.

G.A.R. Post No. 3 was named in Sullivan Ballou's honor, and members of the Post met in the Central Falls Free Public Library. In 1894 Nathanial B. Whipple, who was then adjutant of the Sullivan Ballou Post, copied the Sullivan Ballou Letter in his own hand.

The Sullivan Ballou letter gained worldwide recognition when it was showcased in Ken Burns' critically acclaimed PBS documentary on the Civil War in September of 1990. Yankee magazine published an article on the letter in which they stated "...his (Ballou's) words of undying love brought millions to tears."

Recognizing this national interest in the Sullivan Ballou Letter, the library staff photocopied the letter from the Memorial Volume of the Post and reproduced it on a 34" x 12.5" scroll. Along the top of this scroll were superimposed the pictures of Sullivan and his wife, Sarah. This picture of Sarah, to which our library owns exclusive rights, is the only known picture of her in existence. Since 1990 we have sold over 500 of these letters. We are now in our second printing.

Central Falls Free Public Library/Adams Memorial Library is proud to offer this unique reproduction of the letter. The purchase price is tax deductible, and all proceeds go toward the Lysander and Susan Flagg Museum and Cultural Center.

SULLIVAN BALLOU LETTER
Reproduced on a 34" x 12.5" scroll with pictures of Sullivan Ballou
and his wife, Sarah, superimposed across the top.
Mailed in a heavy-duty protective tube.

ORDER TODAY
To order by mail, send check or money order for $20.00 plus $5.00 S&H.
International customers, send international money order
for $20.00 plus $11.00 S&H.

Direct your order to:
The Lysander Flagg Museum
205 Central Street
Central Falls, RI 02863

Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

For more information, contact us at
(401) 727-7440 or (401) 727-7441.