Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-04
MONDAY. SEPTEMBER 4, 1896
TO TIE Editor of the National Gcrstte.

TO tie Editor of the National Gcrsfte.
SIR: / have seen Since my arrival, your no.
tice of MIR. Randolph's letter in relation to my
treatment of him during my last pas age from
this port to Liverpool, which letter was SO mag
unanimously published to. the injury OF an ao-
sent man. / have to express my acknowledge
ments to you for ihterposiDg a kind word IN my
behalf. until could speak for mysels. This,
now find, in the opinion Of my friends, ought
70 have been done before; but ! assure you 1t
has been omitted entirely because thought the
character of Mr.. Randolph was so we'll known
throughout the country, that reply was not ne
cessarv. ~ AS it has been suggested 10 me that
there reemany very respectable persons, who,
knowing only one side OF the question, may take
his account Of il to my disadvantage, without
hearing the other side plainly told, am there
fore obliged, very much against my feelings
and inclination, TO place myself before the pub
lie. by showing in self-defence the conduct OF
Mr.. Randolph on board my ship.
No sooner had he gained the deck OF the
49,. N,a---.,~-, ssrau rrr. rauttUiph's- ;rrii a.
z Ste disposition began to shew itself, in conse-
quence of his overhearing one passenger ask
another whether Mr.. Randolph had paid his
steamboat-fare, his refusal to do which had be-
come matter of public conversation on board
the steamboat, for this be swore be would not
do, by reason, as he alledged, of having been
taken to this city against his WILL and that there
fore they were bound to return him free of ex-
pense; and TO prevent difficulty or detention one
of the passengers actually paid MIR. Randolph's
passage TO Newcastle. 1t is proper for me to
state here, that the stories about the dog and
the duel, circulated in this city after our depar-
ture, were not exactly correct although it is
true that in the affair Of the dog, between my.
self and a steerage passenger, MIR. Randolph
very particularly and politely requested ofsme
permission 10 take the animal, and consented;
and as it regards the duel, Mr.. Randolph did
display his pistols on deck, but for what object
cannot say, unless for the purpose OF intimi-
dation. On getting TO sea, Mr.. Randolph's
ouerulous disposition manifested itself i'll such
variety of ways as TO defy description. 1t
mainly consisted in contradiction, severity of
remark, profanity, vulgarity, and even obsceni-
ty; indeed, as regards the latter, such was his
language, that the two gentlemen passengers
who had their families with them, actually de-
sired me to have seperate table tor the ladies
in their own cabin, and was obliged to assure
them that ii be did not mend his manners he
should have another apartment and table for his
own private use. Out of such conduct, which
was either alienation of mind or influence of
drink, grew the affair on deck which he has SO
generously requested should be taken and Judg-
ed by itself without any irrelevant matter
This irrelevant matter is nothing more or less
than general abuse Of every thing and every bo-
dy 1t was his custom &c. go upon deck, late
at night, and there interfere with the discipline
Of the ship, by diyerting the attention OF the
officers, helmsnian, and watch; practice which
neither master nor passengers, as far as my
experience goes, will approve; nor, while
am governed by my present views OF duty 10
my owners, my passengers, and nyseli, VIII
permit. On this occasion, ! politely re-
ouested him not 10 do so, and was treated
in the vulgar manner he has publicly &C.
knowledeed. The officer of the deck alter
wardstold me he remained in the precise posi-
t;on left him for half an hour, with large
hunt,nsy knife in his hand; and was also told
thar he said in the ladies cabin, that but for the
presence of the officer and helmsman he would
have ripped the captain up. The general con-
duct of Mr. Randolph had become such, that
was compelled, for the safety of all on board, to
make such arrangements as would prevent him
from committing any greater act OF violence,
should he attempt it; but believe he got wind
of what was in preparation, Tor he behaved
much better afterwards. Lam happy to reflect
that am very well known in his own state,
and win trust my character there and elsewhere
with perfect confidence. l have been twelve
years carrying passengers across the Atlantic;
and can truly say that Mr.. John Randolph, of
Roanoke, is the first passengers | ever had a
quarrel with on board my ship. ! will merely
add, that all the passengers on this occasion,
except Mr.. Randolph, expressed their desire,
on our arrival a, Liverpool, to sign paper, de-
claring their entire satisfaction with my conduct
throughout / did not deem it necessary to
procure such testimony, but, for the fact, i con-
fdently appeafto any one of those gentlemen.
Yours respectfully,
AT a late meeting 10 London ofthe members
of the Royal Westminster 1nhrmary for the