Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 18.djvu/322

 322 Southern Historical Society Papers.

GENERAL JOHN ROGERS COOKE.

Mortality has been rife with Virginian heroes whilst this volume has been in press.

In a period of but little more than three months four sons of the Mother-State, whose valor and prestige in the ensanguined field was as prevailing as their dutiful lives as citizens have been useful and inspiring, have been relieved from earthly service. The roll is :

1891 January 2ist, at Richmond, Va., Brigadier- General Burkett Davenport Fry; March 2ist, at Washington, D. C., General Joseph Eggleston Johnston ; April 9th, at Richmond, Va., Brigadier-General John Rogers Cooke; April 29th, at Charlottesville, Va., Brigadier- General Armistead Lindsay Long chieftains of the war for Southern Independence called to " pass over the river, and rest /"

" Death conquers all ! " Yet, " mortality has put on immortality !" Immortality reigns ! The names and deeds of these heroes are death- less ! Of three of these citizen-soldiers there is record in the pre- ceding pages. Of the remaining one pithily characterized as " upright, downright " General Cooke memorial is merited. With a nature whose ingeniousness was infectuous, the transparent earnest- ness of which constrained following, every measure for the weal or or advancement, or dignity of Richmond, or of Virginia, commanded his unqualified and unreserved efforts.

The death of no other of its citizens has been more sincerely, more universally mourned. The affection in which he was held was attested by the honors, military and civic, which attended his obse- quies. The respect which his virtues had earned found expression in regardful tribute throughout our land. His mortal remains find fitting companionship with Stuart, Hill, Stevens, Saunders, Stark, and the host of humbler heroes in picturesque Hollywood Cemetery.

He filled worthily various positions of trust with which his merit had caused him to be invested. His efficient and zealous perform- ance in them has been publicly acknowledged in honoring resolu- tions.

It is meet that of his official connections that the following should be noted here: He was an early Commander of Lee Camp of Con- federate Veterans. He was President of the Board of Directors of the Soldiers' Home. He acted as Chief of Staff upon the laying of the corner-stone of the Lee Monument, October 27th, 1887, and also