The following excerpt is from Union soldier Major Sullivan Ballou's...

The following excerpt is from Union soldier Major Sullivan Ballou's Letter to Wife Sarah written in 1861. Read the passage, and then answer the question.

(1) "I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the 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.

(2) But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows—when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children—is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?"

(3) I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death, and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country and thee."

Which version of the underlined text in sentence 3 (reproduced below) is most consistent with the overall tone and style of the passage, while still retaining the same meaning? (5 points)

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death, and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country and thee.

as it is now

doubtful that my death is forthcoming but worried all the same that I could die in battle

feeling that Death might be coming to visit me soon and cut my young life short

troubled that my death may be imminent and looming in the nearby distance