If he could decide to change his flag, and dissolve every tie which bound him to the old service, he could sacrifice all else without much regret.

No one will be found to say that the hope of rank or emolument in the South influenced him.
The character and whole career of the man contradict the idea.

His ground of action may be summed up in a single sentence.

He went with his State because he believed it was his duty to do so, and because, to ascertain what was his duty, and perform it, was the cardinal maxim of his life.
VIII.
HIS RECEPTION AT RICHMOND.
No sooner had intelligence of Lee's resignation of his commission in the United States Army reached Richmond, than Governor Letcher appointed him major-general of the military forces of Virginia.

The appointment was confirmed by the convention, rather by acclamation than formal vote; and on the 23d of April, Lee, who had meanwhile left Washington and repaired to Richmond, was honored by a formal presentation to the convention.
The address of President Janney was eloquent, and deserves to be preserved.