Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 22.djvu/347

 Mf//f>ri'il ut' (i>n. Jtt/il A. Earl'i. 335

rer, Robert S. Bosher, of Richmond; Secretary, Captain Thomas Ellett, of Richmond.

Executive Committee Colonel W. E. Cutshaw, Captain John Cus- sons, Captain E. P. Reeve, and James T. Gray, of Richmond, and Captain W. Gordon McCabe, of Petersburg.

The President announced that the Association would adjourn to the Regimental Armory, preparatory to attending the annual ban- quet, and the audience dispersed.

Resolutions of the Southern Historical Society.

Various organizations of Confederate veterans in Maryland and the Southern States attested their regard for General Early in ex- pressive memorials which were duly published throughout our coun- try. He was the devoted President of the Southern Historical Society from the time of its effective reorganization at the White Sulphur Springs, August 15, 1873, and to his influence, his voice, and his pen was its perpetuity due as perhaps scarcely to any other.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Society, held March 9, 1894, the following resolutions were adopted :

Resolved, That in the death of General Early it is felt that Vir- ginia has never sustained the loss of a truer son. In the maintenance of what he deemed his political rights he was ever consistent and persistent from his entrance on the threshold of manhood. In the war with Mexico he made a noble record. With comprehensive patriotism, no one in the momentous Virginia Convention of 1860- '61 pleaded more affectionately for the Union of his fathers than he; yet the tie of Virginia having been burst asunder, no one exemplified the truth and justice of her cause and of that of the South more unflinchingly or with more heroic devotion.

He was a hero among grand examplars.

His utterances were the conviction of his faith. His instincts were generous. His heart was impressive to the wants of the unfortunate. His bearing was ever chivalric, and none questioned his sincerity or his honor. His life is historic and his memory will live.

As the Executive of this Society from its vital reorganization in 1873, its continuance is essentially indebted to his interest and influence.

Resolved, The Society would express its profound sympathy with the family of General Early in their afflictive loss.