South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1835-08-29

Sc. Chestnut street, who put up my pre-
seriptioGs for the patient. The morning
of the day that John Randolph died, |
received an early and an urgent message
to visit him. Several persons were in
the room, but soon left it, except his SER
want John, who appeared affected at the
situation of his dying master. | remark
ed to John soon after | arrived, that l
had seen hismaster very low several times
before and he had revived, and perhaps
he would again. The patient directly
said, "John knows better than that"
The interview of this morning was pecu-
iarly impressive. had not been long
with him before he looked at me with
great intensity, and said in very ear
nest and distinct manner. 81 confirm eve
ry disposition in my will especially that
respecting my slaves, whom | have man
united, and for whom ! have made pro-
vision"
This declaration was to me altogeth-
er unexpected. Ii involved subject
which in our previous interviews had
never been touched. II was one |
should not have introduced. / assured
him was rejoiced to hear such de-
claration from him. Heappeared anx.
ious to impress it On my mind. Soon
after this I proposed to 60 for a short
time to attend to an urgent message re.
ceived just before l left home, assuring
my patient / would return as speedily
as possible. He positively objectedto
my leaving him-"You must not 60 !;
you cannot, you shall not leave me-"
He called to his servant john to take
care that the Doctor did not leave the
room, and John accordingly locked
the door. and soon reported, Master, |
have locked the door and got the key
in my pocket :the doctor can't 60 now
My proposal TO leave him for a short
time, even on promise to return, evi.
IDENTIFY irrita,ed him for moment. 1t
may show the situation Of his mind,
when state that in the moment of ex-
element to which have referred, he
said, you do 60, you need not re-.
turn" | appealed to him as to the pro-
priety of such an order, inasmuch as |
was only DESTROYS Of discharging my
duty towards another patient who
might stand in need Of assistance. His
manner instantly changed, and he said.
II retract that expression and pro.
baby quarter of an hour after wards,
casting on me an expressive look, he
again said, III retract that expression"
Itold him thought l understood him
distinctly on the subject he had com.
municated, and l presumed the Will
would explain i!selff fully. He replied
in his peculiar way. "No you don't
understand it; | know you don't. Our
laws are extremely particular on the
subject Of slaves ga will may manu-
init them : but provision for their sub
sequent support requires that de.
claration be made in the presence of a
white witness and it is requisite thai
the witness after hearing the declara.
ton, should continue with the party and
never lose sight Of him until he is gone
or dead. You are a good witness for
John-you see the propriety and i'm.
portance of your remaining with me
your patients mus. make allowances
for your situation" saw and felt the
force of the appeal. The interest of
the scene Increased every moment. |
was now locked in a chamber with
dying Statesman of no common order
one whose commanding talents and ele-
waited political station, combined with
great eccenlricity Of character, had
spread his fame not only throughout his
native land, but over Europe. Hethea
said, "John told me this morning, 'mas'
ter, you are dying.' made no at
tempt to conceal my views. On the
contrary, | assured him would speak
to him with candor on the occasion, and
told him it had been rather subject OF
surprise, that he had continued so long.
He now made his preparations to die.
Between him and his faithful servant
there appeared to be complete under
standing. He directed John to bring
him his fathers breast button, which
was Immediately produced. He then
directed him to place it in the bosom of
his shirt. 1t was an old fashioued
large sized gold stud. John placed it in
the button hole ofthe shirt bosom but
to fix it completely requir'd.a hole on the
side. When this was announc-
ed TO his master, he quickly said, "get a
knife aud cut one." handed my pen
knife 10 John, who cut the hole and
fixed the valued relic to the satisfaction
ofthe expiring patient. A napkin was
also called for, and placed by John over
tho hroovt of Tho na,;ant Far N ohnrt