will falter and hesitate when they are without confidence in the
ability, judgment, and foresight of their leader. The soldiers who were
ranged under the standard of Lee, believing that their noble commander
was equal to all emergencies, followed him with unwavering trust, and
their survivors testify to the affection in which a spirit so gentle and
yet so brave was held.

No higher eulogy can be pronounced upon any man than to say of him that
which can be truly alleged of Gen. LEE, that he was an honored and
trusted leader in that splendid Army of Northern Virginia, which only
failed where success was impossible. They challenged the respect and
admiration of the world, and of their great captain it has been said
that "a country which has given birth to men like him and those who
followed him may look the chivalry of Europe in the face without shame,
for the fatherlands of Sidney and Bayard never produced a nobler
soldier, gentleman, and Christian than Robert E. Lee."

These meager details of our civil war have not been given with the
purpose of reviving unpleasant memories or of perpetuating sectional
animosities. They have been related because they constitute an important
part of the story of the life of him whom we mourn.

On both sides were displayed the highest qualities of the military
leader, and illustrated as never before the pluck, endurance, and dash
of the American soldier. They were Americans all, and, without
distinction of sections, we can claim part of the honor of their
achievements and partake in the pride of their great names. We have
furnished to the world the indubitable proof that these States united
are invincible. When, at Appomattox, our arms were stacked and banners
furled we returned to our homes with no divided allegiance.