Hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1843-1845, 1843-10-19
RecOllectiOns of John Randolph o
Roanoke.


Our principal amusement on ship board
w ere chess and whist, in both of which
games Randolph excelled all the other pas
sengers. The first time he was challenged
to play by the captain he refused, and gave
the following reason. Il have not played
at chess for the last seventeen wears, and
the very sight of the chess board gives rise
to painful "reminiscences, for you must
know, sir, that the last game played lost
me personal friend forever. At one peri
cd of my life was on the most intimate
terms with Mr. Jefferson, as you may have
heard, it being now matter of history, and
soon found out, that politician and phlloso-
pher as he was, he took more pride in his
skill at chess, than in any thing else. Very
few indeed, SIR, could beat him and at last
he could not endure defeat. Knowing this
and feeling that was his match, had al
ways declined playing, as | did not want to
quarrel with him, until one unfortunate
evening, when he toachcd my Virginia
pride in so pointed way that | could no
longer refuse with honor, and sat down to
the game. 1t was warm contest, sir
Greek met Greek. Lat length cried check
ma te:'and he never forgaye sgle, afterwards,
| SIR
| None of us were great chess players the
t Captain however was very respectable
opponent, and after Mr. Randolph had con
quered his first scruples against renewing
his taste for the game, not having any long
er the fear Of Mr. jefferson before his eyes,
he used to honor the captain by beating him
every fine evening. The captain.swho was
a. model of good humor, bore this very we'll,
and used to say:
| ~ l. IL, l. I'll
Randolph, but you ard will never quarrel.
If can only manage to beat you once, be.
fore we reach Liverpool, | should be proud
Of it all my days
Mr. Randolph, however was 200 much for
MIN, and continued victorious TO the ED
OF the voyage, He felt gratitied too, ut has
constant success, and use to laugh heartily
at the captains discontinue,
Whist was a favorite game on board and
here also, MIR Randolph soon proved his su-
peri GRITTY as player. 1t became contest
each night, who should have him as part
ner, and finally they took turns. Dutch
merchant prided himself on his knowledge
of the game. and became rather jealous Of
:, Mr. Randol ph's constant success. should
mention here that the Dutchman's man
ners were rather too free to please man oil
Randolph's fastidiousness he could moi
bear any thing like familiarity from a stran
ger, and he once gave Mynheer hint
which thought would have checked him.
, We were conversng one evening at the tes
table about some debate in Congress, ir
which Mr. Randolph had taken part; and
said jokingly:
'Mr Randolph suppose you recte por
! ton Of your speech on that occasion q
ooh no. replied he,'' i have no ambition
to exhibit myself in such way.
Come come, Mr. Randolph exclaimed
our Dutchman, Don't let your modest J
stand in your way, it is out of place,
here
NV modesty, sir said Mr. Randolph r
an excited tone, end turning his fixed eye
on the Dutchman. You will please lei
that subject alone, Mr. --, it is too del
icate one for you to touch; and wish
YOU to recollect, sir, that too much familiar
ity may breed contempt
This sharp reioinder silenced Mr.
and we changed the conversation.
A few nights afterwards whist party
| was made up, the captain and Mr. Randolp l
against the Dutchman and one of the York
shire passengers. After the cards had beer
dealt out and each gentleman had examin
med his hand, the Dutchman cried 0 ut:
Il bet guinea get three tricks thi
time
(. Done Mr. exclaimed Randolph
instantaneously.
This alarmed his opponent, who had 81
often previously witnessed Randolph's goot
luck. and who moreover had natural an
tipathy to loosing his guinea, he therefors
re- examined his hand and said in a subduet
, tone: