On July 14, 1861, Sullivan Ballou, a major in the Second Rhode Island Volunteers, wrote a poignant letter home to his wife in Smithfield. He wrote of his deep love for her, his desire to see their sons "grow up to honorable manhood," and the possibility that he might not return; saying, "If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name." One week later, Major Ballou was killed in the first Battle of Bull Run.