Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-08-20

"Prndolph OF Roanoke" and enquiries
whether should write on that
"fes, nothing more proper"--thenw with
my pencil | wrote Remorse. He took
the card in his hands in hurried man.
ner. and fastened his eyes on it with
great intensity.-"Write IL on the
back" he exclaimed-I did SO, and
handed il 10 him again. He was cA.
ccssively agitated at this period: he re.
lpeated, "Remorscl-You have no idea
what 1t is, you can form no idea of il
whatever, il has contributed to brine
me TO my present situation: but have
looked TO the Lord Jesus Christ, and
hope have obtained pardon" He
then said, Now let John take your
pencil and draw line under the word"
which was accordingly done. Iinquir-
cd what was to be done with the
card: He replied, "Put i, in your peck
ct-take care of it-when / am dead
look at it." The original is now in my
possession.
! This was an impressive scene. All
the plans of ambition, the honors
and the wealth Of this world had van
ished as bubbles on the water. He
knew and he felt that his very mo
ments were few, and even they were
numbered. II afforded his physician
an opportunity, without being intrusive
OF offering to him a few serio.s obser-
vations, and pointing the expiring states
man to hope beyond the grave.
"My situation at thi period, was Sc
nous and embarrassing. Locked in the
chamber OF patient, and solemnly
called upon as a witness confirming \
viii already made for the liberation and
support OF his slaves, when the ONLY
human ear that heard these declare
tons, except myself and the testator,
was one OF the very slaves included in
the bequest, il required no unusual fore
sight 10 anticipate the construction tina,
might be put upon such testimony. per
haps III distant court where the wit
ness might be personally unknox n.
( when added 10 this, 1t was found he
was member OF the religious society
OF friends who long since had washed
their hands from the stain of slavery.
and whose sentiments on the suhiec,
were universally known. I saw that
even under a charitable CONSTRUCTION Of
the testimony, the force of early inn
pressions, and The bias of education
might be supposed imperceptibly To in
fiucncc even an upright mind, and give
co!ounng TO words and facts which 10
others differently educated might be
viewed in another light.
Under these views, | introduced
the subject of calling in some additional
witnesses, and suggested sending down
stairs for Edmund Badger, whose at
tentions were very great to hin. He
replied, 81 have already communicated
that to him." | stated it was nv in
teniion to be with him as steadily as
possible until his death, but with his
concurrence / would send for two
young physicians who should remais
and never lose sight of him until he
was dead, and to whom he could make
the declaration. My son, DR.. Isaac
Parrish, and my young friend and late
pupil, DIR. Francis West, were proposed
TO him. saying that the latter was bro
Their Of Captain West. He quickly ask
ed, Captain West of the packet" On
receiving an affirmative reply, he said
Send Tor him-he is the man-TIl
have him. Prom some circumstances
that had come 10 my knowledge. had
reason TO believe that Captain James
West was favoritc with the patient.
Before the door was unlocked, he point
ed to bureau and requested Lwould
take from II remuneration for my SER
wees. To this ] promptly objected:
informing hini1 should feel as though
! were acting indeIicately. TO comply.
lie then waived the subject, by saying.
In England il is always customary"
The witnesses were now sent for. and
soon arrived. The diving man was
pTopped in bed, with pillows, nearly
erect. Those only who knew his form
and singular physiognomy, can form
an idea Of his appearance al this mo.
ment. Being extremely sensitive 10
cold, he had a blanket over his head
and shoulders; and be directed John 10
place his hat on, over the blanket. which
aided N keeping IL close 10 his head
The bat bore s'ent marks of age. and
Nss probably exposed 10 the peiting OF
the Storm during his disconIorts on The
day Of his arrival. With a cOuntenance
full q sorrow John stood Close t0 the
bedside Of hi. diving master. Tie om
witnesses. % wit: Edmund Badger. Dr..
Francis West, my son, DR.. Iasac Par.
rsh, and myself, were placed IN q
semi-circle. 10 full view
I, was evidently an awfnlly into I
resting moment 10 She patient he I
rallied az the expiring onersles Of
mind and body 70 BE-, lat efuti. ~.
Vbule soul seemed concentrated IN the
ac' Ills eyes flashed feeling and ia.
telligenoe. Pointing towards " with
7ug index finger, be- addressed a.. "A N
confirm III the directions IN my viii \
respecting my slaves. and direct them
10 be enforced, particularly ia regard 10
a provision for their support And