The well known Sullivan Ballou letter includes the following --
I know how strongly American civilization now leans upon the triumph of government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering 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.
http://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/12manassas/12facts1.htm