Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1866-05-24
Col. Lawson Bolts.

Among those of our County that fell during the
late war not one is more deserving ofnotice through
the press than the late Cot. Boris because he pos
esed those qualities that our young and others
should strive TO emulate.
lie settled in Charlestown about the year 1885,
and died in Loudoun County in September, ls62
from the effect of wound received in the second
battle of Manassas. He came among us poor and
unknown; when he died, few, if any in the county,
exerted more solid influence, or had larger cir
Gle of friends and admirers.
Possessed of sound and discriminating mind
cultivated and strengthened by study, ne was en-
phatically growing man, and If his life had been
spared would have been ranked among the leading
men of his profession in this section of country
His influence was, however, in the opinion OF the
writer more the result of his moral than intellectu
al power, although his intelligence was an impor-
tant element in the combination of qualities that
adorned his character.
Love of truth. devotion to duty,-courage to de-
fend the one and perform the other-were the ele-
mcnts of his moral power. His love of Truth, in
the largest sense of that term, was remarkable. To
know the truth on all subjects that he was called on
to act, was the master feeling of his nature. To
ascertain the truth to defend the truth, was with
him duty, and from the performance of duty he
never shrank, no matter where placed-whether in
public or private at the bar, on the battle field
This fidelity to truth through his whole conduct
and illustrated everything he did. Hence, as cit
zcn he was public spirited, and anxious to advance
whatever he considered would promote the good of
his country. As lawyer, faithful to every rust,
giving all of his energies and abilities to the inter-
est of those committed to his care. As christian,
earnest and active. As a military man, submissive
to authority, quick in conception, active, bold,
courageous
He did not belong to the extreme class of South
ern men. A devoted friend Of the Union and the
Constitution, he was opposed to the separation of
Virginia from the Union, until after the failure of
the efforts of Virginia to effect settlement of the
pending difficulties. When his State seeded he de-
termned from of duty totollow her fortunes,
which he did until lis end
1t was his devotion to duty that led to his death.
At the time of receiving the fatal shot, his health
was very feeble. Most men in his condition, and
with his distinguished reputation as an Officer,
would have acted on the advice of the Surgeon, and
have sought rest and quiet long enough to revive
his exhausted nature. Not so with the subject Of
this notice. He deemed it his duty as long as he
had strength enough to keep his saddle, to remain
with his regiment share the privations suierngs
and dangers of his men. The wound that he re-
ceved it is thought would not have resulted in his
death but for the state of his health at the time
was inflicted.
The war that has closed, has deprived Virginia
of many a noble son. Her soil contains many
heros dust-yet, within her limits rest not the re-
mains of truer, drawer, nobler man than Col LAW
son Boris. L..