Why should death be regarded as a calamity? It is the inevitable fate of all the living. May it not be a part of life? The hope of immortality is the greatest boon conferred upon the living. On an occasion like this words will not soothe the grief of those who are near and dear to the deceased. Their consolation must be in the hope of reunion beyond the grave.
Address of Mr. Colquitt, of Georgia.
Mr. President: It is a difficult and delicate task to draw with justice and propriety the character of a public man. Fulsome panegyrics have often been pronounced upon the character of the dead either out of flattery to the deceased or to gratify the ambitious desires of the living.
In paying a tribute to William H.F. Lee I am not influenced by any such questionable views. To do honor to his memory I need only say what justice and truth dictate. There is little danger, in speaking of him, of committing the offense of exaggerated eulogy. There is more danger of doing the injustice of understatement in commemorating a character so rounded and symmetrical.
As a son, Gen. Lee's filial piety was so marked as to make him an example worthy of all imitation by the youth of his country. In every post of honor or trust to which he was called—and they were many and exalted ones—he met his engagements with such fidelity and courage as never to incur censure and seldom provoke criticism.
His bearing as a private citizen was of such dignity and benevolence as to secure the love, while it evoked the admiration, of all who knew him.
His character was made up of blended chivalry and courtesy and adorned with the mild luster of a religious faith.
He was frank and open, plain and sincere, speaking only what he thought without reserve, and promising only what he designed to perform.