The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-12-09
Gen. R. D. Lilley.

The following proceedings in the Fac
,,lty of Washington and Lee University,
in reference to the death of Gen. Robt. u.
Iilley. will be read with interest by his
numerous surviving friends in Virginia.
We do not remember ever to have seen
more considerable, impressive and appro- |
pirate tribute to the character and work
of any one than is comprised in what fol-
lows. 1t is eloquent in its simplicity and
grand in its truthfulness, and so well
shaped as to be impressive upon every
mind
LEXINGTON, VA, Nov. 10, 1856.
Gen. Robert D. Lilley. of Staunton, Augusta
county Va, was stricken with paralysis on the
church, Richmond Va, while in attendance as
a delegate to the Presbyterian Synod, and dled
on the 18th instant following. ,,a
Gen. Lilley, when quite young man, pc.
came distinguished as soldier Entering tne
Confederate service in 1861 with the IanK OF
captain, in command of the Augusta Lee
Rifiesn " company recruited in his native
county, he displayed the best qualities OF the
the cause which he had espoused and as the
reward of his services was promoted 10 inc
Rrleader General. In the fall Of the same year
while actively engaged In battle pear Wlnches-
cost him his right arm, and although SO seri-
oDsI " disabled he continued to render such
service in the army as he was capapie OF until
'h W Silee the Faculty of Washington and Lee
University, in entering on their records some
memorial Of this brave and true man, cordially
mite in the general expression of admiration
for him as soldier. they knew Gen. Lilley best
mended to the Endowment Committee OF
Washington College as man we'll httei for
the position of financial agent and on recelV-
ING the appointment entered zealously upon
the important and responsible work entrusted
to him and prosecuting IT with unremlttlns
zeal to the day of his death.
The first duly laid upon him was to carry in
to erect scheme devised by the Endowment
Eommittee for the sale of scholarships work
which imposed the labor OF extensive traVel
and the delicate task Of e
He was sgnaly successful IN carrying OUT lne
scholarship scheme. and by SO doing. aided ma
terially in Increasing the pecuniary resources
While in attendance upon the Centennial
Anniversary of American independence, helo
at PHILADELPHIA in 1876, he succeeded in inter
esting many of the most prominent men IN tn
inp for It's object the more complete endow
mept of Washington and Lee University, ant
in a short time enrolled, as members of tn
oreanization, the Chief Justice and other mem
hers OF the supreme Court members OF Con
maay m ali parts Of the COUNTRY
Among others. he held close persona reaatlop .
With the late cyrus d. scott each one
whom was a munifcent benefactor OF wash
ington and Lee University among tne Nv q
there are many whose generous donations
abe Institution were due to Gen. Lilley,s effort
and there is abundant ground for Inc peli i
that the discharge Of the delicate task CON IN
mitted to him. ne never compro9mii eS en- IN vi
least, his self-respect, nor forfeited the re
spect of those whom he approached. Indeed
he commanded universal esteem, and Won
some cases, affectionate regard.
Gen LiIley was man OF true dignity OF chal
acter, of unaffected address, modest, courte
Gus. kind to all, stud1ously regardIul OF ID
feelings of others, and at the same time fnds
pendent in opinion and action, earnest IN cor
viciion and persistent in the malntenance
what he approved, and withal an humble Chr
tan gentleman. whose influence &c was felt fo
The Faculty express their deep sympath
with the relatives and numerous friends
Gen. Lilley, whose sunden death is a source
profound sorrow to all who enjoyed his a
quaintance and leaves a vacancy among th
friends of Washington and Lee Uniyersit
which IL will be difficult to fill.
A copy from the records OF the Faculty
JOHN L. CAMPBELL,
Clerk of the Facult