Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1867-01-08
Gen. Early's Book.

A small edition, only five hundred copies, of
Gen. Early's book has been published. This
volume is entitled GA Memoir of the last year
of the War for Independence in the Confede-
rate States of America, containing an account
of the operations of his command in the years
1864 and 1865, by 1t Gen. j. A. Early" 1t
is dedicated ''To the Memory of the Heroic
Dead who fell fighting for Liberty, Right and
Justice
He gives his reasons for joining the Southern
cause, after having always opposed the doctrine
of secession. He briefly reviews his campaigns,
and explains bis reasons for leaving his country
and going into exile. He uses the following
language in paying passing tribute to the de-
votion and endurance Of Southern soldiers:
II have not found it necessary to be guilty of
the injustice Of attempting to pull down the rep
utation of any Of my fellow officers, in order to
build up my own. My operations and my cam
paign stand on their own merits, whatever they
may be. Nor, in anything [ may have found
it necessary to say in regardto the conduct of
my troops, do wish to be understood as. in
any way, decrying the soldiers who constituted
the rank and file Of my commands [ believe
that the world has never produced a body of
men superior, in courage, patriotism and endu-
rance, to the private soldiers of the Confederate
armies. | have repeatedly seen those soldiers
submit, with cheerfulness, to privations and
hardships which would appear to be almost in
credible and the wild cheers of our brave men,
(which were so different from the studied hur-
rahs from the Yankees, when their thin lines
sent back opposing hosts of Federal troops,
staggering, Keeling and flying, have often thrill
| led every fibre in my heart. l have seen, with
| my own eyes, ragged, barefooted, and hungry
Confederate soldiers perform deeds, which if
performed in days of yore by mailed warriors in
glittering armour would have inspired the harp
Of the minstrel and the pen Of the poet. J."
In these noble words he expresses his faith
in the fidelity, capacity and devotion Of the Con-
federatc leaders:
'Having had some means of judging, [ will,
| however, say that in my opinion, both Presi
dent Davis and General Lee, in their respective
! spheres, did all fer the success Of our cause
| which it was possible for mortal men to DO and
it is great privilege and comfort for me so to
| believe, and to have been able to bring with me
into exile a profound love and veneration for
those great men,.
This is what he says of his voluntary expatri-
alton:
'In regard to my own services all I have to
say is, that have the consciousness Of having
done my duty to my country, to the very best
of my ability, and, whatever may be my fate,
would not exchange that consciousness for un-
told millions. [ have come into exile rather
than submit to the yoke Of the oppressors Of
my country; hut have never thought of at
tributing aught of blame or oensure to those
true men who, after having nobly done their
duty in the dreadful struggle through which we
| hot, hoc
and to aid and comfort them in their trials on
the contrary, appreciate and honor their mo-
tivcs. I have not sought refuge in another
land from insensibility to the wrongs and suf-
ferings of my own country but [ feel deeply
and continually for them, and could my life Sc
cure the redemption of that country, as it has
been often risked, so now it would be as freely
given for that object.