Sullivan Ballou's letter

This is the letter featured in the opening segment of Ken Burns' The Civil War,which was broadcast almost 20 years ago (!) in 1990, and watched by 40 million people. The reading of this letter seared itself into viewers' consciousness to such an extent that, like the Kennedy assassination or the 9/11 events, many people today can tell you exactly where they were the moment they saw this episode on television.

The video embedded above has audio from the documentary (narration by David McCullough), but the images are stock photography, probably for copyright purposes. Those interested in hearing the music without the text should click on the blog entry below this one.

The letter is a magnificent expression of patriotism and love. Enjoy.