A Union Army Officer, he served as Major of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. On July 14, 1861, Ballou wrote an eloquent letter to his wife. He was killed at the First Battle of Manassas on July 21st (see his headstone attached to this monument). His sentiments in the letter became famous and were quoted in Ken Burns' "Civil War" series.
On 24 Jul 1861 the New York Times paid tribute to the Rhode Islanders killed at Manassas, including Major Ballou and six other officers from his unit.
He was mustered out of the Army on 28 July 1861 because he had died of his wounds.
His remains could not be recovered from Manassas until after the Confederates left, so his burial in Providence was on 31 Mar 1862.
A Union Army Officer, he served as Major of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. On July 14, 1861, Ballou wrote an eloquent letter to his wife. He was killed at the First Battle of Manassas on July 21st (see his headstone attached to this monument). His sentiments in the letter became famous and were quoted in Ken Burns' "Civil War" series.
On 24 Jul 1861 the New York Times paid tribute to the Rhode Islanders killed at Manassas, including Major Ballou and six other officers from his unit.
He was mustered out of the Army on 28 July 1861 because he had died of his wounds.
His remains could not be recovered from Manassas until after the Confederates left, so his burial in Providence was on 31 Mar 1862.
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