Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 17.djvu/308

 300 Southern Historical Society Papers,

hearts as brave in 1861 as in 1776— led by Hampton and Hoke, and others, as loyal to Liberty as were the fathers of the Revolution.

Old Virginia, God bless her ! is here ! From the Ohio to the ocean her children are gathered. Every home, every heart is repre- sented here, not in sorrow, not in anger. As proud as conquering heroes they come to do honor to their older brother, and to chal- lenge the world in all its ages to produce a grander man than Robert Edward Lee.

Arkansas is here with her gallant sons, among whom is her dis- tinguished Senator Berry, who lost a limb in our service.

Tennessee, Kentucky, Maryland, and West Virginia are here, represented by distinguished officers, true old veterans, and splendid young troops to honor the memory of their leader.

Mississippi must not be forgot— she is here with many represen- tatives. There is one who is absent, a patriotic mother, a lone widow — she wears no rude scars of war, but she has suffered for us as none have suffered since Gethsemane. Crushed by sorrow and by care she is too infirm to attempt the long journey, but in heart she is with us. Could she have come these brave men would have wel- comed her with filial affection, and this vast assembly would be com- plete.

There is one other of whom a word must be spoken, the oldest of our generals now living — the classmate of Lee. They graduated together ; together they began the soldier's proud and perilous life ; together fought the battles of their country before the birth of the Confederacy ; together they followed the fortunes of their native State ; together they obtain the highest military rank in our army ; one has been taken to whom the honor will be granted of lifting the veil and introducing to the world the heroic statue of his life-long friend. We welcome General Joseph E. Johnston to-day, and all unite in the prayer that his life may yet be spared for years to come in the land he loves and has served so faithfully.

I do not mention all. I am surrounded by the representatives from every State in this Union, who have come with loyal hearts to do honor to the memory of him who is honored by the civilized world for his great genius and the purity of his character, and of whom all true Americans should be proud.

It is not my purpose nor my duty to make a speech, but I am simply to introduce to you the presiding officer. He is fitly chosen, one of the friends and companions of Lee, and one of his most dis- tinguished generals — one who has never been false to friend or foe,