Remarkable character.
Personally General Early was a remarkable character; he was elected to the Virginia Convention in 1860; he fought secession to the utmost and voted against it.When Sumter fell and Lincoln called for troops to invade the South, he offered his services to the State of Virginia, and raised a regiment. When the ordinance of secession was passed he again voted against it and refused to sign it.
He never accepted his parole or took the oath, or voted after the war. He never wore anything but his Confederate gray, and was buried in it.
The stories of his excessive drinking were malicious lies.
General Early was a man of strong and stubborn disposition, but he was also a sincere friend.
With all his faults and virtues he has passed over the river, and is resting with his beloved Lee and Jackson, under the shade of the heavenly trees. Peace to his ashes.
