The following excerpt is from Union soldier Major Sullivan Ballou's Letter to Wife Sarah written in 1861. Head the passage, and
then answer the question "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 my children from harm. But I cannot. 1
must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms 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 night amidot your happies
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
Which of the following best describes the motif that is present in this excerpt? (5 points)
O Patriotism
O Sickness
O Nourishment
O Weather
