f hostilities, having discharged his whole duty as he
understood it with fidelity and courage, he retired to his native State,
to his farm, and there, by the same quiet, honorable, manly course of
conduct devoted himself to the duties of civil life, establishing by his
example a standard of citizenship worthy the great Republic to which he
renewed his allegiance.

The people of the Commonwealth of Virginia could not and did not permit
a man of his exalted character, sound intellectual qualities, and safe,
conservative judgment to remain in private life. His services and
example were too valuable to the public, and he was called into the
public service, first as senator in the State legislature, later into
the lower House of Congress.

There, as elsewhere, he soon took rank among the wisest and safest
legislators in the body pursuing the even, modest tenor of his way with
that faithful regard for his duty to his constituents and his country
that characterized every relation and position of his life.

Those of us, Mr. President, who were favored with his acquaintance
recall with a respect bordering on reverence his commanding figure as he
came in this Chamber, his courtly presence, his gentle bearing,
persuasive conversation, amiable, respectful manners. The consciousness
that we shall never see him again is a sad and depressing reflection,
and a mournful reminder that it is only a question of time--how long
mortal man can not foretell--when those of us who survive him must obey
a similar summons, and disappear, as he has done, from the scenes of
life forever.

In paying tributes of respect and affection to departed friends I know
how hard it is to impose restraint upon our partiality for them and how
strong the temptation to indulge in expressions of exaggerated eulogy.
Knowing Gen. LEE as I did, I can say of him with absolute sincerity and
truth that he was as free from the small and petty faults of our nature
as any man I have ever known. In his private relations he was literally
without guile or deceit. Straightforward, honorable, just in all his
dealings, he was a model citizen and faithful friend.

In his public life he proved himself equal to every station. Zealous,
attentive, conscientious, untiring, he met every responsibility with
fidelity and confidence. He never disappointed a friend, betrayed a
trust, or took unfair advantage of an opponent. In a word, Mr.
President, he lived a perfect gentleman, dischar