The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1875-04-23
Baltimore. April 10th, 1878.

Mr.. Wallis said: Ladies and Gentlemen
The ladies, at whose invitation you arc
here this evening, have honored me by
their command to state the scope and pur-
pose of the work in which they solicit you
to Join them. But for the Difference to
which their wishes and opinions are enti-
tied, | should have venturcd to believe the
task needless one, for am sure the feel
ings which induce your presence have al
ready spoken to you with a deep impress
siveness, to which can add neither pathos
nor power. There are names which in
themselves are history and q conservation
themes which are their own eloquent in
terpreters beyond speech or writing-and
who is there that can add q word or q
thought to the story when, to those who
are around me, name the name and call
up the memory of Lee9 [Applause.l
TIE LEE MEMORIAL.
More than four years have gone since the
great citizen and soldier was called to his
reward. lie would himself have coveted
no prouder resting place than tho green
bosom Of his mother State-no monument
beyond the love and remembrance of the
people he had loved and served. But the
gratitude and devotion of the living refus-
ed to be measured by the humility of the
dead, and it was at once determined by
Ills ull0wers III arms to mark the grave of
their illustriOus leader by some fitting and
permanent memorial. An eminent sculp-
tor, of Richmond, Mr.. Edward V. Valen-
tine, well known by reputation through
the country, was accordingly invited to
assist in carrying out their wishes The
choice was in all respects appropriate, the
artist being not only Of unquestionablc
genius, skill and cultivation, but full of
enthusiasm in his art, and with that high
sense OF its nobility and dignity without
which none can pass beyond the outer
places Of its temple. These qualities ex-
listing in the sculptor, it was dou5ly meet
he should he chosen, so that the tomb Of
the great Virginan should be modelled by
the reverent hand of son of the same
mother. Mr.. Valentines design of re-
cumbent figure Of the hero was accepted
by the Memorial Association in the early
summer of 1871, but the model was not
finished until late in the ensuing Win
ter.
THE MEMORIAL STATUE.
The statue itself, which is of marble and
of rather more than the size of life, receiv-
ed the last touches of the chisel but few
days since, and was exhibited to the pub
lie in Richmond, where it created the
profoundest sensation. 1t appears to have
commanded the admiration not only of the
many with whom devotion might natural
ly have stood in the place of criticism, but
of those, as well, whose taste and culture
entitle them to render authoritative .judg-
ment. The task OF the sculptor was
difficult and grave one, but he has shown
himself equal to it. His conception and
its execution are severely simple. The
hero is lying in his uniform, as if in sleep,
upon his narrow soldiers bed. His pos
ture is natural and easy. One hand is on
his bosom, and touches unconsciously and
gently, "the drapery Of his couch" The
other is lying by his side, where it has
fallen, and rests upon his sword. The
portraiture is perfect, as to form no less
than feature. The whole expression is that
of tranquil and absolute repose. But it is
not the sleep of death and nothirgness,
when the soul is gone, nor yet Of bodily
exhaustion, with its "dumb torgetfulness."
1t is the repose Of physical power, unshak-
en- though dormant-of manly grace, most
graceful when at rest--of noble faculties,
alive and sovereign, though still. 1t is a
and in silence-half listening for the voice
-"l1e is not dead, but sleepeth."
GRAVE OF LEE.
The remains of General Lee were depos-
tied and are now resting beneath the chap
ell of Washington and Lee University, ut
Lexington, Virginia, in chamber design
ed by him for library. The place is al
together unsuted for the monument pro-
posed, which is to consist not only Of the
figure l have attempted to describe, but
Of I'll appropriate sarcophagus, in marble,
on which tho statue is to rest. There is
neither light enough nor sufficient elova-
ton in the apartment, which, in It's style
and appointments besides, is altogether
out of Keeping with the work of the artist,
and unworthy to receive it. 1t has there
fore been determined to erect q separate
and suitable memorial building or mauso
leum, upon ground which the university
has placed at the disposal of the associa-
ton, not far from the spot where the great
life it will commemorate was ended. In
this good work it is that you are asked to
share.
Apart from the wishes of the family OF
General Lee, who desire that his remains
shall lie in the peaceful and scolastic
shades to which he retired from the graft
tude and admiration of his people, there
is eminent propricty in this selection of
his final resting place. Had be died upon
the field Of fame and battle, amid "the
thunder of the captains and the shouting"