Sad ping for your list, suh.
}:-)4
That's too bad. RIP.
How sad! That's two Civil War historians this month, isn't it?
Maybe the most knowledgeable person on that part of our history. I really enjoyed his commentary on PBS.
:(
My brother loved his books and they have been on my "Gotta Read" list for some time.
(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)
Great, great book...all 3 volumes.
And Mr. Foote was SO important to keeping the superb Ken Burns documentary The Civl War on track as a memorium to those who fought.
Dang. Sorry to hear that.
July 14, 1861
Camp Clark, Washington
My very 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 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. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government and 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 my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt . . .
Sarah my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me 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 unresistibly on with all these chains to the battle field.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them for so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grown 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 when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, 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 . . .
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 gladdest days and in the darkest nights . . . always, always, and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath, as 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 . . .
Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the first Battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861.
Rest in peace Mr. Foote.
: (
His commentary in Ken Burns "The Civil War" was among the best I've ever seen.
Great, great historian. Truly "old school" who did his research and let the facts speak for themselves.
I never would have guessed he was that old.
BTTT
A terrific writer! And he seemed like such a sweet man. Reminded me a lot of John Keegan (whom I had the privilege of meeting once, and who *is* a sweet man!). RIP, Mr. Foote.
He appearances of PBS' Civil War programs were the best!
May he rest in peace.
Semper Fi,
Kelly
Wow...I'm right in the middle of the Ken Burns documentary!!!
ping
Mr Foote was a great historian and novelist. At 88 years of age, he did have a good run. May he finally meet Grant, Lee Lincoln, Davis, Bedford Forrest and all the others and rest in peace.
Aw man.
His three volume history of the Civil War is the definitive work on the subject, IMHO. A must read for every citizen.