Yes, he loved home, and in its sacred circle his presence was like a
sunbeam, brightening every face and warming every heart. He was all
patience, gentleness, kindness, and love, and if there ever was a home
which was a fit emblem of heaven it was Ravensworth, the home of this
distinguished man.
Mr. Speaker, he is gone. He lives now only in memory. In October last,
when the frosts were blighting and the leaves were falling and the
autumnal winds were sighing, after patient waiting for the fatal hour it
came, and God's finger touched him, and the brave soldier, honored
citizen, faithful Representative, devoted husband, and affectionate
father was dead.
He passed away quietly, strong in Christian faith and in the hope of a
blissful eternity.
WILLIAM HENRY FITZHUGH LEE! His State mourns his death. Within the bosom
of her soil he rests--peacefully rests. In his ancestral land near by
Arlington, historic, revered Arlington, the scene of his childhood and
early manhood, he sleeps--sleeps the sleep that knows no waking.
Earth, that all too soon hath bound him,
Gently wrap his clay!
Linger lovingly around him,
Light of dying day!
And Virginia--
Bending lowly,
Still a ceaseless vigil holy
Keep above his dust.
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