Read and Respond: A Civil War Letter

In this worksheet, children will read a now famous letter from Sullivan Ballou, an officer in the Union Army in the American Civil War, to his wife Sarah. Written just one week before his death at the First Battle of Bull Run, the letter details both Ballou's love for his family and his deep patriotism. After reading the letter, students will write a response from the point of view of Sarah or one of the couple's young sons. Designed for fifth graders, this worksheet is a meaningful addition to a unit on U.S. history and the American Civil War.