Stephens' bodily infirmity did not sour his temper. On the contrary, it developed his capacity for human sympathy and strengthened his desire to help others to reach the happiness he seemed unable to secure for himself. After prosperity came to him, his works of philanthropy were constant and countless. He was lavish of hospitality and gave to all who asked such pity and sympathy as only a tried and travailing spirit could feel. LOUIS PENDLETON _Alexander H. Stephens dies, 1883_ March Fifth From childhood I have nursed a faith In bluebirds' songs and winds of Spring; They tell me after frost and death There comes a time of blossoming; And after snow and cutting sleet, The cold, stern mood of Nature yields To tender warmth, when bare pink feet Of children press her greening fields. JAMES MAURICE THOMPSON March Sixth It is the spirit of the Alamo that moved above the Texas soldiers as they charged like demigods through a thousand battlefields, and it is the spirit of the Alamo that whispers from their graves held in every State of the Union, ennobling their dust, their soil, that was crimson with their blood. HENRY W. GRADY _Fall of the Alamo, 1836_ March Seventh The opening of the University of Virginia was an event of prime importance for the higher education in the whole country, and really marks a new era. In the South this university completely dominated the situation down to the war and for some time afterwards, being the model for most that was best in the colleges everywhere, setting the standards to which they aspired, and being the source of constant stimulus and inspiration. CHARLES F. SMITH (_University of Wisconsin_) _University of Virginia opened, 1825_ March Eighth BROOKE'S "VIRGINIA," THE FIRST OF IRONCLADS; 10 GUNS VERSUS 268 ... The _Virginia_, that iron diadem of the South, whose thunders in Hampton Roads consumed the _Cumberland_, overcame the _Congress_, put to flight the Federal Navy, and achieved a victory, the novelty and grandeur of which convulsed the maritime nations of the world. CHARLES COLCOCK JONES, JR. Confederate Tribute to the Commander and Men of the _Cumberland_: "No ship was ever better handled, or more bravely fought." VIRGINIUS NEWTON, C. S. N. On Boarding the _Congress_: Confusion, death, and pitiable suffering reigned supreme; and the horrors of war quenched the passion and enmity of months. VIRGINIUS NEWTON, C. S. N. Confederate Tribute to the Commanders of the _Minnesota_, _St. Lawrence_, and _Roanoke_, which vessels ran aground in flight from the terrible _Virginia_: I take occasion to say that their character as officers of skill, experience, and bravery was well established at the time, and suffered no diminution then or thereafter. VIRGINIUS NEWTON, C. S. N. _Battle between the "Virginia" ("Merrimac") and Federal men-of-war, 1862_ March Ninth BROOKE