of frfn. Jiiti'il A. Earl;/.
people true to themselves than all others combined. Without these, by this time I believe our people would have forgotten the most glorious period of their whole history, and the splendid heritage which that period bequeaths to their children. The soldiers of the Army of Northern Virginia ought to be ashamed to let this association die as long as there is a "corporal's guard" of that army left alive; and they ought to bind themselves in a solemn league to that effect to-day.
THE DEATH OF EARLY.
Since our last meeting our first president, and our faithful and intrepid old hero and comrade, General Early, has died. Your Executive Committee thought it peculiarly appropriate that at this meeting the story of his campaigns, and especially that of his last campaign, should be the theme of the occasion.
They knew, and you know, that no one can tell that story like General Early's devoted friend and faithful aide, the peerless Vir- ginia orator, John Warwick Daniel, who was as gallant and glorious in war as he is devoted and distinguished in peace. Senator Daniel needs no introduction to a Southern audience, and he will now address you on " General Early and His Valley Campaign."
DANIEL ON EARLY'S CAMPAIGN.
Judge Christian's remarks were frequently interrupted with ap- plause, and when he had taken his seat Senator Daniel advanced to the front of the stage to make what, from an historical point of view, at least, was one of the great addresses of his life. He was received, as he always is by Virginia audiences, with marked cordiality and enthusiasm. When the applause that greeted the distinguished orator had subsided, he made a characteristic bow, and said:
Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades of the
Association of the Army of Northern Virginia :
By your invitation, which I could not regard as less than a com- mand, I am here to speak to you of Lieutenant-General Jubal Anderson Early; one of the great soldiers of history, second to none that ever lived in valor and devotion; second to but few in military ability and second only to Lee and Jackson among the chieftains of the war for Southern independence.
But this is not his sole title to renown. He has a higher claim.
