Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-07-07
MISCELLANY.
From sketches Of Public Characters.
JOHN RANDOLPH, OF ROANOKE.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 1880

Dear Sir,-I have often seen that most
singular man you enquire after; and Oh
ten heard him speak. Many ofthe sketch
es of his person have been more accurate
than those of his mind. IT must be con-
fessed that his person and dress are so
unique that just representation OF them
would, to those unacquainted with Mr..
Randolph, seem a caricature. lie Is
about six feet in height, perhaps his mar
row chest and long legs make him ap-
pear little taller than he IS. Ills head
is small, his shoulders high, and all parts
of his physiognomy except his eye, alto
gether unintellectual. He is beardless,
or nearly so, and his muscles and his skin
about his face shrivelied, although he Is
not more than filty-six years Of age
Notwithstanding his height, his frame IL
so slender that his weight is not more than
long legs support a short body that is "not
more than talon IN The maiSt." His arms
are very long and small, and his fingers
bird-claw-like and in debate he makes
them very expressive. His hair is dark,
thin and lank, and lies close to his head
His movements are rapid and awkward,
His voice shrill and high, and perfectly
soprano: latterly his voice has lost most
Of its power his throat seems dry and hus-
ky. This is the effect of disease, for he
has long been an invalid. The fife-lke
notes Of his voice are nearly extinct
SO much for his person. His mind is
more singular than his person, His per-
ceptions are, i speak of him as he has
been, quick and his impressions strong;
but it is in the strength and elevation of his
Imagination that he is above most men.
His judgment, from every evidence l
have seen or heard, is either feeble or
never consulted in his acts or speeches.
His memory is good, often minutely ac-
curate; but is now somewhat impaired
His attainments are considerable, rather
miscellaneous than political or profess
sonal. His knowledge of the English
language is critical and extensive, and
he is quite fastidious in his choice Of
words; and one of the best things about
him is, that he keeps constant vigil
over the good old English, his mother
tongue. His acquaintance with English
history is minute; and it may be said of
him that he is well read in general histo-
ry, but saving and excepting the annals
of his own state, he knows not much Of
American history. His classical know
ledge has been overrated. In the COM
mon Latin classics he is quite at home,
and quotes with great readiness, but his
acquaintance with those less read in this
country must be limited, for III his pas
sion for display he never mentions them
Mr.. Randolph has been in Congress
most Of the time since he was eligible
from constitutional age, and at all times
mas been conspicuous as declaimer, but
never has shown the slightest tact for bu-
siness. | believe the Journals of Con-
gress did not show that he ever made a
report in all this length Of time; and no
one recollects Of his ever having drawn
bill He has nothing more to do with
the ordinary proceedings Of Congress
than the last comet that appeared in our
solar system had in regulating the mo-
tions Of the planets.
The only congressional business he
ever set seriously about, was the inn
peachment of Judge Peck, and in this he
failed. lie made splendid dcclama-
ton on this subj ect mostly unsupported
by the facts in the case; he laborcd hard
to demolish the judge, dut did not sue
ceed; the good sense Of the Senate saw
ed the encroachments on the Judiciary
Randolph came out Of the contest with
out single laurel
He has, Notwithstanding his preten-
sions TO consistency, been a politician
that no party could for moment, or but
for a moment, trust. lie disliked Wash
ington, and violently opposed to John
Adams, and was disappointed in Jefier-
son, as from him he expected much, but
the philosopher could not, or certainly
did not trust him.. He openly quarrel
led with Madison, and never was cordial
with Monroe lie raved like madman
against John @. Adams, and said and
did every thing in his powerto injurc his
administration; and it is well known that
he supported Jackson from his dislike to
Adams, for he did not stop in Washing
ton to witness the Inauguration, but hur-
ried Otto Virginia, thinking he had done
enough for he hero.
by profession Mr.. Randolph is dem
ocrat, by every habit an aristocrat, for
he is as proud as Lucifer, and except in
his mauldin moments suffers no one to ap-
proach him with familiarity. His friend
ships are as capricious as an April cloud;
and his enmities bitter and lasting. His
tongue ga chartered Hbertine" has under
it the venom Of asps. No one can tell on
whom his next cataract Of abuse is to fall,
and no one is secure iromit. lie has Ii
belled some Of the best mcn the country