The Norfolk post. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1865-1866, 1866-02-02
HENRY A. WISE.

l NAS vShOAoOiO hOtopuh "a 1900.
years ago, Notwithstanding his eccen
tricities of character The noble STAN
! he took against that most detestable O
politico-religious organizations, th
Know NothiDgs, which resulted in thei
defeat through his manly efforts, en-
deared him to us; and although we hav
frequently regretted his impetuous ant
unequal course, still we have neve
ceased to respect him forthe many reall,
excellent qualities that he possesses. HI
put down the Know Nothings ant
crushed John Browns rebellion-ant
these were good acts. He was opposed
to secession, and wished to fight out the
question of slavery in the Union-ant
we think everybody in the South will
now admit that he was right. After the
war did come, however, he buckled on
his armor and fought it to the end like
a true man--and for this, we admire
him also; although we were opposed to
his wxmg-headed and strong headed
and e. Dhely stubborn and rebellious
course. Unlike some Of the fiercest fire.
eaters and fanatics of the times-who at
first were SO eager to rush in where an
gels feared to tread-he did not seek per-
sonal safety by exemption in civil en-
ployment, or appeal to his gray hairs for
immunity from service in the field. No,
with all his faults, the venerable Henry
A. Wise can still point to clear record
as having performed what he believed
to be his duty. And now, when the war
is over, and he has lost everything-we
do not see him crouching in humiliation
and making false pretensions Of repent
ance In sack cloth and ashes; but with
the calm dignity ofone whose conscience
does.not accuse him, the fierce old DEM
0crat defies the storm of adversely, aud
asks nothing as favor that cannot be
conceded to him as right. He will not
bend the knee that thrift may follow
lawning; and we applaud his Cato-like
virtues. But most, just now, do we ad-
mire the noble return of his patriotic
impulses and devotion to his country
and his country's flag. The sqbjaiped
pleasant words, which be uttered few
days since In Richmond, will meet
with warm response from the patriotic
masses throughout the country and
from the people of the
North, who can forgive everything in
every man buta want Of love OF country.
Patriotism with the generous masses
covers all other sins, and they care not
who else or what else a man may hate,
If he only thinks the flag of his country
is the paramount object of his love. His
is the idol of each patriots de-
votion, and all man who love their native
land, and feel a noble pride in the
fact that they are Americans, and that
lie starry flag is the emblem of their
1atiopal greatness, are heirs of a COM
non heritage, and can meet upon the
common platform of true and disinter-
ssted patriotism, though they should |
not be able to agree upon minor points.
We are all Americans at least, and all |
rave an equal share in the inheritance
# our great forefathers, and though
many things may occur that we do not
ike, we must not blame the country or
he flag for the faults of tickle and
hayward faction. We are glad to see
his manifestation of patriotism by
henry A. Wise. 1t will have a good
fleet in Virginia and elsewhere, for
vhen the old love returns to the Amerl-
an flag again, and we see awakened a
ealthful spirit of Americanism among
ne people, all our troubles will be
nded. 1t required but an hour in 1861
} make our people imagine they de-
sted the American flag under which
ley were born and had grown so great,
nd we see no reason why they should
ot as promptly return to their old love s
DIV. Mr.. Wise's speech to the "Virginia
lues" will be read with interest every :
here, and will be accepted as har-
niger of returning love to the flag and a
'untry:
GEN. WIsE's SPEECH TO THE BLUES. !;
he meeting for recognizing the Rich y
ond Light Infantry Blues adjourned :
ght before last at SO late an hour that y
e could only give short synopsis of
e proceedings. This company was
st organized and its officers cOmmiss.
ned in 1903. Its organization was pre- .
rived until the surrender at Appolnat- .
x Courthouse In April last. When the L
tie war commenced this was one of the d
'st companies to take the field. 1t was h
mt in April, 1851, to Fredericksburg ft
I'd after remaining there short time, 1t
ent to Marlboro Point, on the Poto- :,
&C, where it remained until June. u
hen it was attached TO the Wise Lee p
on, and went to Northwestern Vir- 81
MIA. At the close of the campaign it "
mt with the brigade to Roanoke Is "
I'D, and from that time till the surren- Z
r, served with the army of Northern tt
rginia. General Wise, In his address W
yht before last, mentioned the many u
rd marches and the heavy fighting m
ne by the company i'm Northwestern II
rginia and at Roanoke Island. He ia
d them that he could always rely on W.
sm; that he never knew them to fall M
:; but he said they were ''most incorri- Sc
lie blockade runners" They always be
ew where good things were to be had. nc
they would always have them. He Ia
d they set very bad example in this pc
pect. He mentioned the service done 81
the brigade in the army of Northern Dy