Zzzdaniel on Early's Campaign.
Judge Christian's remarks were frequently interrupted with applause, and when he had taken his seat
Senator Daniel advanced to the front of the stage to make what, from an historical point of view, at least, was one of the great addresses of his life.
He was received, as he always is by
Virginia audiences, with marked cordiality and enthusiasm.
When the applause that greeted the distinguished orator had subsided, he made a characteristic bow, and said:
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades of the Association of the Army of Northern Virginia:
By your invitation, which I could not regard as less than a command, I am here to speak to you of
Lieutenant-General Jubal Anderson Early; one of the great soldiers of history, second to none that ever lived in valor and devotion; second to but few in military ability—and second only to
Lee and
Jackson among the chieftains of the war for Southern independence.
But this is not his sole title to renown.
He has a higher claim.
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The men who hold the world at peace, as long as peace is tenable with honor, and who bear the burden of the battle when duty demands the sacrifice, are mankind's truest heroes and benefactors.
And he who, being overtaken by adversity, meets it with equal fortitude and a reassuring hope, is indeed a noble example.
This is his triple distinction—that he was a man of peace before the war, a hero in the war, a hero in fidelity and fortitude after the war, and the very incarnation of its glorious memories.
It would doubtless be more entertaining for the passing hour did I rehearse the congenial reminiscences, incidents and anecdotes that cluster around the name of this unique, original and remarkable man, and did I depict the thrilling adventures and vivid scenes through which he passed.
But this association has for its object the vindication of the truth of history.
A people's right is the only just warrant for war, and the honor of the soldier's name is the only reward that war can bestow that is worthy to be cherished.
General Early not only made history, he preserved history and wrote history, and he had that prophetic forecast that prefigured history before it was enacted.
He was the vindicator of the people's right as well by pen as sword, and if I may collect from records and memories such testimony as will put in a faithful light the nobility of the man and the greatness of his deeds, I shall feel that I shall render to history its best tribute and be more content than were I to engage and charm your fancy.
Follow me, then comrades, with some of the patience you have often shown upon the weary march.
I will appeal to facts and by them shall hope to vindicate my theme.
