"My Very Dear Sarah, . . .The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days--perhaps tomorrow. Lest
I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more. . ."
Barnum's
touching sculpture depicts Rhode Island soldier Sullivan Ballou writing his young wife from the battlefield on a makeshift desk, while at the same time portraying Sarah just after she has read his words. Tragically, at virtually
the same time Sarah would have received this letter, Sullivan Ballou was killed at the First Battle of Bull Run, seven days after he penned these words. A high-quality reproduction of Ballou's letter will accompany each Letter to Sarah sculpture. It is a touching complement to this heart-rending sculpture. |