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. Read this excerpt from a letter by Civil War soldier Sullivan Ballou.

Which cause does Ballou support?

A.
Confederate government
B.
independent states
C.
Southern secession
D.
the Union cause