Sarah - do not mourn me dead
by Lianne Schneider
Title
Sarah - do not mourn me dead
Artist
Lianne Schneider
Medium
Digital Art - Digital Painting/photographic Art
Description
July 4th, 1861
Camp Clark, Washington
My 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 you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more. Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure - and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine 0 God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows - when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruits of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children - is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?
I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death - and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.
I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles I have often advocated before the people and the name of honor that I love more than I fear death have called upon me, and I have obeyed.
Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break. And yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all those chains, to the battlefield.
The memories of all the blissful moments I have enjoyed with you come creeping over me, and I feel most grateful to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of the future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. 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 as 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, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and your children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the Spirit-land and hover near you, while you buffet the storm with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
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 garish day and in the darkest nights amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours - always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or 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.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood.
Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters, and feel that God will bless you in your holy work. Tell my two mothers, his and hers, I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Sullivan
The image is a composite of images taken at Stones River National Battlefield, just south of Nashville, Tennessee and incorporates several aspects of the battle reenactment. The letter, however, is the famous Sullivan Ballou letter to his wife, Sarah, on the eve of an entirely different battle. Ballou was a Union soldier. This letter and the music were made famous in the Ken Burns PBS series on the Civil War, where the letter was read aloud with the music as background.
MCN :: CUNBN-1YNSE-4BB56
This poignant letter set to music -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sa2hv8U8cWU - Sullivan Ballou letter to the music of Ashokan Farewell by Jay Unger
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June 19th, 2012
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Comments (51)
Michael Mazaika
Lianne, I saw the image, saw the title and immediately the strains of Ashoken Farewell rang in my mind. Great work. - Mike (V)
Joseph Levine
Lianne -- the thoughts, textures, emotions, historical data & patriotic pride you have skillfully layered with such a gossamer touch upon this artful re-enactment -- fit together as organically as the skins of an onion. When peeled away one by one, they evoke in the viewer tears of joy at having been allowed to share vicariously in the pathos that enveloped the original event. Blessings & gratitude for giving us the additional bounty of Sullivan Ballou's final preserved words in this world, filled with humility before the One who created it, & love for his family & fellow humans.
Lianne Schneider replied:
That has got to be the most thoughtful and beautiful comment I've ever received on anything Joseph. I'm touched more deeply than I can say and overwhelmed with gratitude as well. I've always been haunted by the sacrifices made for us from the very beginning and Ken Burns magnificent Civil War series with its exquisite music of the Ashoken Farewell seemed to call for me to create something in tribute. Thank you so very much.
Lianne Schneider
Thank you so much Darren for featuring this image in 3 A DAY WAITING ROOM ART. I so appreciate it.
Lianne Schneider
Thank you all so much for your lovely comments and support...that means so much. I hope that if I haven't already, you'll soon see me visiting your work to say a personal thank you.
Anne-Elizabeth Whiteway
Lianne, I came back again to see this remarkable picture as well as to read the letter in the description. My husband and I recently watched the movie: "Lincoln". I guess you have seen it. I always learn so much when visiting your site on FAA. Your images alone are so well done and powerful (as well as beautiful.) Then the extra bonus of reading the descriptions often touches my heart. Thank you again. F/V.
Anne-Elizabeth Whiteway
Thank you so much for your kind and gracious words about Autumn Hideaway Revisited.
Anne-Elizabeth Whiteway
Lianne, I was looking for an image of yours that I had not previously commented about. I don't know how I missed this one. The image itself is splendid. The composition is perfect. Then, then then! I read the prose along with it which brought tears to my eyes. Lianne, your work on FAA is remarkable & your meaningful prose along with it is also GREAT. F/V
John Kiss
Lianne - This is a superb representation of the civil war era. It is such a touching image along with it's title. I love visiting the sites that formed our history as this and every time I do I feel so small in the areas that had so much suffering... v/f
Lianne Schneider replied:
Oh my Lord - John...my deepest apologies for allowing this amazing, thoughtful and insightful comment to slip through the cracks. It's so very lovely of you and I do appreciate it very much.
ARJUN SEN
Immensely moving artwork. I think of this piece - as I do so many of yours (and my own), as composite of image and words as a single work. The gloss greatly enhances an already very effective picture and sets one pondering. It reminds one how astonishingly powerful the force of political conviction can be, that it can put itself ahead of the most powerful and close family love, and in individuals of evident great character, depth and strength of will. A man like Sullivan Ballou is no ordinary man - and no doubt there were many others like him - who dearly loved their families but risked all for the cause. Probably they knew that there was no alternative, for once a nation is at war with itself, there can be no peace in evasion. The consequences of war, of victory and defeat, will be reaped, and will be visited upon all whether they took part in the war or not. Therefore there is something of the admission of destiny in going to war like this, as well as conviction, perhaps. It is a job that may or may not be relished but cannot be avoided, and a strong man went into it with a stout heart and without failing to recognise what he may lose by doing so, nor failing to acknowledge his responsibilities to those he loved. Very moving. v/f
Lianne Schneider replied:
I am deeply moved by your gracious, generous and extremely insightful comment Arjun. I think that all you speak of here is exactly what I was trying to capture...the Ballou letter has always moved me deeply to think of sacrifice, priority and the meaning of patriotism. At a time when patriotism seems a catch word for knee-jerk reactions and diminishing freedoms, it's important to look at it more objectively. I cannot tell you how very much your intelligent, articulate and thoughtful comment means to me. Thank you seems too little to say in response.
Debra and Dave Vanderlaan
Beautiful image, presentation, and description to accompany it. Great job Lianne! We Voted! Celebrate life, Debra and Dave
Lianne Schneider replied:
I'm glad this touched you two - you can't imagine how much I appreciate your lovely comment. Thank you so much.
Susan Capuano
Very moving presentation Lianne, the letter and the image go hand in hand to remind us of the human cost in all wars. Your beautiful painting truly deserves to be seen and treasured. v/f
Lianne Schneider replied:
so sorry Susan - forgot to hit reply! Lianne Schneider Reply | Delete The cost - so high always - but thank God there have been those willing to pay such a price. It seemed fitting as we near July 4th that we remember the principles for which so many gave their lives. Thank you so very much Susan.
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