Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 38.djvu/95

 of my colleagues from the State of Louisiana to unite in this tribute to the life and character of our deceased friend.

I have, perhaps, seen more of death in war than any other man in this presence, and as much in peace. Only this morning I came through the historic city of Fredericksburg, where in December, 1863, I counted on a surface no larger than this room the bodies of 285 of the dead men of Mear's Brigade, in that conflict of which I was an eyewitness. All I have here to say has been written on the train between Fredericksburg and this city. As my mind ran over the battlefield of old Virginia I thought of the apostrophe to death I have heard so often quoted on this floor:

Come to the bridal chamber, Death! Come to the mother's, when she feels For the first time, her first-born's breath! Come when the blessed seals That close the pestilence are broke, And crowded cities wail its stroke! Come in consumption's ghastly form, The earthquake shock, the ocean storm; Come when the heart beats high and warm, With banquet song, and dance and wine! And thou art terrible!—the tear, The groan, the knell, the pall, the bier, And all we know, or dream, or fear Of agony, are thine.

We look upon death as the greatest of mysteries; but to my mind, accustomed as I have been in war and peace to this dread monster, I regard what we call life as even more mysterious than death itself.

Mr. Chairman, the life of was eventful and distinguished. Louisiana may well mourn and this House well honor this soldier, patriot, business man, and statesman.

In him was combined those qualities of sterling character, rare fidelity, courage, and faithfulness in the discharge of every duty which justly entitles him to live in the hearts and memories of his countrymen.