The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-05-26

remarkable period Of Virginia history. SO
conspicuous for its clever men, Starting
In life with the advantages OF distin-
guished birth. he was In all else the
product OF that phase OF Southern cul-
ture which in a marked degree was Pc
culiar to the Old Dominion, whose gem
tlcmen were not specialists, but besides
knowing how to ride, shoot. and tell the
truth. their breeding and training Was
such as qualified them 10 fill any OF me
high positions 10 which they were call
ed. Henry Lee was one OF those all
around clever men. called to many and
varied positions. He filed them all with
honor to himself and rendered valuable
service 10 his people. He was the popu-
lar and efficient representative OF his
county in the Virginia Assembly. the trust
ed delegate to that most famous OF
Virginia conventions. Sent from
his district 10 the National House
OF Representatives. he was the highly
honored OF Congress. For three terms
he was Governor Of Virginia. He was
brilliant orator and most accomplished
writer; his contributions to history are
Invaluable and contain the best military
record we possess OF the Revolutionary
period. All through the Seven Years war
he rendered the most slgnaliy valuG-ole
ty. At the close Of the war he was
twenty-seven years Of age and corps
commander
In and around the capital city OF Nir-
sinia there are statues OF hrorze ana
stone commemorative Of orators and
statesmen, as well as every grade or
rank OF general officers. but nothing t.
symbolic ~ commemorate either the
Virginia Cavalier or Colonel.
Reflected from the earliest manhood
II Henry Lee is an al which can sup
ply this need completely. and the pres
ent generation should sec 10 IL that the
memory Of this unique cavalier be per-
petuatci In an - during and conspicuous
manner as "A mark Of emulation for the
youth OF this and future generations.
Locking TO that end. after a returned
prosperity allows the ralsing Of a rcquis-
lie fund, the services Of an accomplished
sculptor should De secured. one compe-
tent 10 reproduce In an equestrian
statue. the young and brilliant Colonial
Commander Of the Partisan LcgiOn-the
perfect cavalry leader who captlvatcl
Washington AT first sight.
AS the leader OF this devoted band OF
rougn-riders he was the pride Of the
people irrespective Of class. degree or
condition. and the admiration OF the
American army-thc skillful strong. and
trusted right arm Of General Green, his
Immediate commander.
The sOuhriquet which he bore furnishes
all the suggestion as we'll as all the in
spiration the apprcciative artist need
have 20 aid him in the successful ac-
compishment 81 such a work, because
inc heroic memories, thrilling Incidents.
characteristic anecdotes and romantic
associations, which cluster around that
popular name, all mite and harmonize
INTO RECONCILIATION Of martial cniyllry.
No claim Is made that young Colonel
Lee was the military equal of some
grander figures, seen in the Revolutionary
struggle yet surely q personality more
striking ard attractive cannot be found
among American heroes. And neither I'm
history, romantic fiction. or epic song
can tEcre be- seen portrayal OF any
hnightller figure. which 50 strongly ap-
peals TO the instinc- and sentiment OF
equestrian Virginia than the pictures
que ideal which is reflected from the
bright blade OF Lighthouse Harry Lee
the proge1itor of a kmghtly strain
the father of the great Virginian than
whom no higher type Of mal aIpears
ON the roster Of the ages.
GEORGE HOPKINS.
Glen Allen, Va.