Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 37.djvu/186

 closing scene of the drama. And, with the disappearance of the distinguished names from its rolls, the distinguishing characteristics of the army had gone also. It had ceased to be "The Army of the Potomac;" it was a component part of "Grant's army," and scarcely lived in name.

In "The Army of Northern Virginia" all answered to its last roll call that had not already made final answer at the summons of the Master.

Each of these two great armies had found in the other, a foreman worthy of its steel, and each, in a manner, lies buried in a common grave, overwhelmed by a tidal wave.

With the surrender of "The Army of Northern Virginia" ended the life of "The Confederate States," whose birth-throes shook a continent.

"The Confederate States" died a-borning, and upon its "IN MEMORIAM,"

With spirit pointing to heaven this inscription:

Will survive the effacements of time; and two figures will always stand out upon it in bold relief—

and

Around them, the others will be grouped. Near to them, perhaps, nearest, will be:

ROBERT M. STRIBLING. Markham, Fauquier county, Va.