USC Thornton Chamber Singers: "Dear Sarah" by James Syler

[@dennisflenderson6195]

“My very dear Sarah, The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. And 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…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…how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing to lay down all the joys in this life, and to pay that debt…O, Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but the Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly with all these chains to the battlefield. The memories of the blissful moments that I have spent with you come creeping over me…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 it will whisper your name. But O, Sarah! if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they love, I shall always be near you, in the gladdest days and the darkest nights…always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be be my breath as the cool air fans your temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again…” Letter written by Major Sullivan Ballou to his wife, July 14, 1861, Camp Clark, Washington D.C.

[@sosbaus5988]

Really amazing performance.. I sang this in high school in chorus with my favorite choir director, who has since passed much before her time. Hearing this reminds me of her and those special times getting to be a part of a group that can appreciate pieces of music like this.. thanks for sharing it 💗💕🥹