Chap. 73.—JOINT RESOLUTION in Relation to the Death of Commo-
dore Matthew F. Maury.

Agreed to February 3, 1873.

The intelligence of the death of Commodore Matthew F.
Maury has been received by the general assembly with heart-
felt sorrow and profound regret.

The learning, the labors and the genius which, through a
busy lifetime, he consecrated to the highest uses of his country
and mankind, and his self-sacrificing devotion to the state,
render it proper that Virginia should recognize at the grave
the virtues of her illustrious son.

In the general grief which pervades thousands of hearts in
both hemispheres, we but give expression to the sentiment of
all who knew him when we point to his noble, earnest and
unselfish life as a beautiful illustration of what the most ardent.
votary of science, animated by lofty Christian principle, may
accomplish for humanity. But while Virginia admires the
virtues and genius of her lamented son, there is no need that
she should show them to the world. The world knows him
already. His fame, like his usefulness, has been limited only
by the confines of commerce and of civilization; and history
will perpetuate the recollection of his character and his
achievements.
Virginia mourns his loss, and, with his official associates and
the loved ones of his household, grieves over the sad event
which has ended his labors on earth, and rejoices in the assu-
rance that he has been borne from scenes of suffering here, to
the blessedness and peace of a happier and brighter world.

Resolved (the house of delegates concurring), That the fore-
going paper be adopted by the general assembly, be spread
upon the journals of the senate and house of delegates, and be
communicated to the family of Commodore Maury, and to the
faculty of the Virginia Military Institute.