The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-10-24
NO.29

In the multitude of my thoughts and re
collections, Ion this melancholy event, you
Will permit me only to say, that I have seen
nm in the days of adversely, in some of the
scenes OF his deepest and most trying per-
plexlties, have also attended him in the
highest elevation and most prosperous felic-
lty, with uniform admiration of his wisdom.
moderation and constaney.
| Among all our original associates. in the
memorable League of the Continent. in l774.
which first expressed the sovereign will of q
Free Nation in America, he was the only
one remaining in the General Government.
Although with aconstitution more enfeebled
than his, at an age w!,e n lie thought it ne
cessary to prepare for retirement, I feel my
| self alone, bereayed of my last brother;
| yet derive strong consolation from the
unanimous disposition which appears in all
ages and classes, to mngle their sorrows
with mine, on this common calamity to the
| world,
The life Of our Washington cannot suffer
by comparison with those of other coun-
tries, who have been most celebrated and
exalted by Fame. The attributes and dec
orations of Royalty, could only have served
to eclipse the majesty of those virtues, which
made him, from being q modest citizen,
more resplendant luminary. Misfortune,
had he lived, could herea fter have sulied
his glory only with those super fetal minds,
who, believing that characters and actions
are marked by success alone, rarely deserve
to enjoy it,. Malice could never blast his
honor, and Envy made him singular ex-
ception to her universal rule. For himself
he had lived enough, to life and glory. Fo
his fellow-citizens, if their prayers could
have been answered he would have been i'm =
mortal. For me his departure is g most I'M
fortunate moment. Trusting, however, in
the wise and righteous dominions OF Provi-
dence over the passions of men, and the re-
suit of their councils and actions, as well as
over their Lives, nothing remains for me
but HUMBLE RESIG NATION.
His example is now complete, and it will
teach wisdom and virtue to magistrates,
citizens and men, not only in the present
age, but in future generations, as long as
our History shall be read. II Trajan
found Pliny, Marcus .TArelius can never
want biographers, eulogsts and historians.
United Statesl JOHN ADAMS.
Dec. %, 1899.
FUNERAL PROCEEDINGS.
GEORGETOWN, Dec. 20.
On Wednesday last the mortal part of
the Great-the Father of
his Country and the friend of man, was con-
signed to the tomb, with funeral honors and
funeral pomp.
A multitude of persons assembled, from
many miles round, at Mount Vernon, the
choice abode and last residence of the Illus
trlous chief. There were the groves-the
spacious avenue, the beautiful Eand sublime
scenes. the noble mansioh-but, alas the
august inhabitant aoas noao no more. That
great soul was gone. His mortal part was
there indeed but ali how affecting how
awful the spectacle of such worth and great
ness, thus, to mortal eyes, fallen Yes!
fallen fallen!
In the long and lofty Portico, where oft
the Hero walked in all his glory, now lay
the shrouded corpse. The countenance
still composed and serene, seemed to de-
press the dignity of the spirit, which lately
dwelt in the lifeless fcrm! There those
who paid the last sad honors to the bene-
factor of his country, took an impressive-a
farewell view.
On the ornament at the head of the cof-
fin, was inscribed SURGE AID JUDICIUM-
about the middle of the coffin, GLORIA DEC
and on the silver plate,
GENERAL
GEORGE WASHINGTON,
Departed this life, on the 18th December,
1899, EFT IS.
Between three and four clock, the sound
Of artillery from vessel in the river, firing
minute guns awoke afresh our solemn sorrow
the corps was removed-a band of music
with mournful melody melted the soul into
all the tenderness of woe.
The procession was formed and moved on
in the following order:
S {S5s"is5' Vita arms reversed.
Music,
Clergy,
The Generals horse with his saddle, hol-
sters and pistols.