a letter to a soldier's wife -major sullivan ballou

...i have, i know, but few and small claims upon divine providence, but something whispers to me-perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little edgar, that i shall return to my loved ones unharmed. 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. forgive my many faults, and the many pains i have caused you. how thoughtless and foolish i have often times been! how gladly would i wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness..

but o sarah! if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, i shall always be near you, in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights...always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath as the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. sarah, do not mourn me dead: think i am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again...