Unveiling of the Statue to Governor William Smith. 233
more striking 1 and picturesque scene of valor and daring. But it is at Sharpsburg that we love and admire him most. He was assigned a critical position in that terrible battle, the holding of which was absolutely necessary to the safety of the Confederates. Fierce attacks and assaults were made upon him. The situation seemed desperate; with calm heroism he said to his troops : "Men, you conquer or die where you stand." When General Jackson sent him orders, "To hold his position at all hazards," with steady eye and serene smile he replied, "Tell General Jackson that is just what we are going to do." His promise was fulfilled. Though wounded thrice, and dangerously, he refused to relinquish his command, but firmly and bravely held his position until the battle was finished. The commendation given him by his superior officers for this con- duct was eulogy sufficient to satisfy any soldier's heart.
On the fateful and bloody third day's fight at Gettysburg the heroic courage and firm resistance of General Smith and his com- mand saved Lee's left flank. The glory of that day has placed him forever among the immortals. These great achievements brought reward and soon was he promoted to the rank of Brigadier-general and subsequently to that of, Major-general. If he had not been called to other fields of usefulness, he would unquestionably have become still more illustrious as a soldier. By the universal acclaim of his people, he was soon called for the second time to fill the important and responsible office of Governor of Virginia.
Virginia never bestowed upon any of her eminent sons higher evidence of confidence and affection than she did upon Governor Smith when she called him for the second time to the governorship. Virginia was then the battle-ground of the nation. Nearly her entire territory was the scene of terrific conflicts between contending armies. A strong, energetic, fearless, patriotic man was needed to direct State affairs during these existing and coming troubles. In this hour of danger and responsibility, the greatest that ever con- fronted this State, the people almost unanimously selected him to be their guide, counsellor and defender. Never was greater love and trust given by a people. Be it said to Governor Smith's great- ness and glory, never was trust more faithfully and fearlessly dis- charged. His brow will ever be decorated with an eternal laurel of praise for his superb conduct during the declining days of the Con- federacy.
My countrymen, the character of Governor Smith and the natural aspects of his native State always to me seemed to have a strange
