Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-03-15

ing" in rapid succession. Mr.. Pickering mas
tiIv threw back The door, and advanced with
intense anxiety towards the bed; but before
he reached it he was arrested, and rendered
mo,ionless. by hearing Mr.. Rsndoph's voice
utter" Your son has written book, 1t is
good productions; but there is ono fankoeism
in it. which wish him to coIrect;" and men
toned the improper use of 'nonosyllable.
ITO have relieved Mr. Pickering from his
unparalleled embarrassment, would put IN re.
QUESTION the descriptive talents Of Scott and
Cooper united"
The confusion of the venerable Pickering,
must have been of the most embarrassing na-
turo, when he disco, cred how successfully he
had been hoaxed by the Orator Of Roanoke,
"tho legitimate offspring Of tho Powhaian
family"
In the springof 1916, Mr.. Randolph, ehafed
TO the quick, by disappon,mcnts and political
discomfures, behaved more like mad man
than one Of sound mind, and was guilty Of such
ridiculous and offensive excesses, that his
friends we're really apprehsn>ive that thcy
should be compelled to make him the inmate
Of some lunotc asylum. He paid no regard
for the cvties Of lie, and was equally rude
and virulent towards friend and foe. II was
about this period, that he placed an almost
inestimable value on two fighting cocks, which
crowed over his Princely domain. and having
been informed by his overseer, that both of
them were severely ndsposed, and labouring
under the pains of disease, common to the
hen roost. called the pip, he started a special
courier to Roanoke, with orders to transport
them to what he was pleased to call the Hall
Of the House Of Representatives, :" the chick
en- infirmary of Washington In due time
tho courier arrived, and handed his precious
charge over to his master, who now devoted
the whole of his time to the chicken nursery
and in little period had tho proud satisfa cion
of finding that his favourite chickens were re-
stored to health and happiness; but fearful
| that they might again associate with bad COM
| pany, and contract new disease, he kept the
dear creatures in his chamber, and nursed
| them with all the fcaaness and solicitude Of a
! tender and a Goating parent. When he went
out, unwilling 10 leave his favourtes alone. he
| would place one under each arm, and thus
parade through the streets. One day, as he
was walking through Pennsylvania Avenue,
with the birds under his arms, he happened 10
pass old General Taylor. Of Baltimore, who
was then about the age of eghty-iive or nine.
| Il. As the General passed him, he saluted
Mr.. Randolph with low bow, but could no,
but smile a. his udcrous appearance.
A few moments afterwards, he met COL Nc
Kay, of the Chckasaw Agency, who after
having exchanged tlro courtesies Of the day,
said to him, "Mr. Randolph, did you not no.
tce how grossly you were insulted by General
Taylor" General Taylor insult me-" re-
sponded John Of Roanoke, sand how pray did
the old dotard insult me!'' "Why sir, as ne
passed you," replied Col Mckay, "he sml-
ed, shook his head at your chickens, and said
that he had a fighting cock at homo. that
would whip both of yours, in less than two
rounds Of the pit"
"It's enough, exclaimed the enraged John
of Roanoke" the old rascal sh u fight mo
come to my lodgings Mac. and I'll challenge
hm this instant. Colonel Mckay complied
with his wishes, and to carry on the joke, he
went in pursuit of General Taylor, with the
challenge, but the old soldier had derarted
for Baltimore. The Colonel returned TO tic
lodgings Of Mr.. Randolph, and found him rea-
dy for the affray; nor was he appeased til
Col Mckay assured him, that General Taylor
had cried craven, and cowardly fled from the
city.