The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-01-09
FIRST EDITION
JOHN MINOR BOTTS.

Esis More Recent Political Associations.
EOur readers yesterday afternoon were In
formed of the death OF John Minor Bolts, at his
residence in Culpeper, Va, having attained the
age OF sixty-six years and four months. The
following statement will give good idea OF the
attitude which the deceased took in political
affairs Immediately before and during the
Rebellion
The organization of the Know. Nothing or
American party gave Mr.. Bolts an opportunity
to reappear before the pubic, and IL can be
said that, for the first time he allied himself to
n political organ ization that commanded his
fullest sympathies II is true that he ever de
cliped nomlnatious for office; but 1t is also
equally true that, had he accepted them, there
was little or no chance for his election. The
great mass OF the people were opposed to Wing
others, Know. Nothlngsm was destroyed by
the Democrats in Virginia. When the war
broke out Mr.. Bolts opposed secession, and used
all of his Influence in retarding the departure
of Virginia. He retired to his farm, and took
no part in public affairs. He was twice arrested
by the Confederate authorities and both times
released. AT the same time he does not appear
10 have taken any very decided stand for the
Union until after the Rebellion wassuppressed
Let us here do the deceased Justice. That he was
at heart Union man we firmly believe; that
he hated the secession leaders there is not the
slightest doubt; and that he ardently
desired the defeat of the Rebel armies and sup
preston of the Rebellion is, we think, certain
But while the contest seemed doubtful, when
final victory hung trembingly In even poised
scales he remained at home in Vrgtuia, som >
Rebel lines, and always on quiet terms with
both sides. The secret of Mr.. Bolts vacillating
course is to be four in his political sentiments.
He loved ardently and felt unbouuded pride
in Virginia. The triumphs of her sons were
his victories, and II he did not openly express
satisfaction. he no doubt inwardly exulted over
the deeds of Slonewall Jackson and Robert u.
Lee. Against this state pride was an Inherent
veneration of the Union and more potent than
all else the bitter hatred he entertained for the
Democratic party and leaders. This hatred
bad lasted for years and sincerely believe
that 1t was only extinguished when he died
yesterday morning. Thus, when all things are
considered, there is much to excuse vacillation,
phrase, the riding OF two horses, during our
recent civil war.
After the suppression of the Rebellion Mr..
Bolts joined the radicals in their contest with
in him supporter. He became candidate
for the Reconstruction Convention and was
defeated, receiving but three white votes in his
county. This embittered bis last days and
made him all the more determined in his sup.
port of Congress-. For over thirty years he had
minority, but always respected. His irritabiity
OF temper was ever insufficient 10 make him
many enemies. even though, 1t Doubt
iets retarded his :, political cds.osad advance,
many friends we believe and trust that his po-
litical course during the past three years alien
ated many we know by recent events But no
matter what his faults may have been, his de-
votion to the Union aud opposition to the Re-
bellion will ever entltle his memory 10 respect.
II matters not what motives prompted this.
We only know that when Virginian after Vir-
ginian Of prominence, of influence, end of great
abilities drifted into the maelstrom of revo!a
tion, John Minor Bolts remained aloof, and
him 1t gave protection TO a man who had never
sWerved from his allegiance.