" Bearing a name thus
associated with all the glorious achievements of the past, it was but
natural that he should have felt an ardent attachment to the Union. But
he was a son of Virginia, "where American liberty raised its first voice
and where its youth was nurtured and sustained."
There the doctrine of the sovereignty of the State was accepted as the
true interpretation of the Constitution almost without division of
sentiment. Her people held that allegiance was first due to their State,
and while all deplored the necessity for, few, if any, doubted as to the
right of separation. When in April, 1861, a convention representing her
people passed the ordinance of secession, he felt no hesitation in
adopting his course. He resolved at once to consecrate himself and his
sword to the sacred duty of defending her homes and firesides.
Having raised a company of cavalry, he was made its captain, and was
rapidly promoted from rank to rank until he reached that of
major-general. Soon after his entry into the Confederate service he
became associated with the command of Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, and
participated thereafter in nearly all the movements of that fearless and
dashing leader, whom the brave Gen.
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