Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1844-08-15
JOHN RANDOLPH AND HENRY
CLAY-AN INTERESTING IN
CIDENT.

Chas. Jas Faulkner, Esq, in his speech at Ger
ar,istown on the Sd inst, while commenting in elo-
quent and indignant terms upon the movements of
the Disanionists at the South, related incident
in the life of John Randolph, so creditabe to the
magnanimty of shat celebrated man, and so just
and honorable to the fame of Henry Clay, that we
have deemed it worthy of being preserved and pla-
ced before the public. 1t Is well known that the
personal relations between those two remarkable
men were not Of the kndest character, but unortu-
nately the reverse. 1t is equally well known, that
politicians they invariably arrayed against
each ofher-the opposition of Mr.. Randolph at
times assuming the most virulent character, as in
lsl2-l3--preyious to and during the war-and
whilst Mr.. Clay was Secretary of State. And yet,
in the last public address ever made by Mr.. Ran
dolph to the People-in speech in the County of
uckingham-during the tendency of that fearful
struggle between the State of South Carolina and
the Federal Government when one rash snd indis-
Greet act Of violence msh have involved this Coun-
Try in the horrors Of civil war, and led to the dis
nembcrment Of the Confederacy-aHd when every
patriotic eye watched the progress Of events with
she deepest solicitude-the opportunity occurred
which that gentleman availed himself of to do jus
tice to the character of his gea, and distinguished
opponent. In the course Of his speech. he is
ported to have said:
"Gentlemen, | am filed with the most gloomy
srprehensions for the fate OF the Union. l cannot
express to you how deeply en- penetrated with
of the danger which at this moment thteat-
ems its existence. If Madison filed the Executive
Chair, he might be buled into some compromise.
IL Monroe was in power, he nigh be coaxed into
some adjustment of this difficulty. But Jackson is
obstinate, head-strong, and fond of fight. fear
matters must come to an open rupture. Ii so, this
Union is gone" Then pausing for near a minute,
raising his finger in that emphatic manner pecu-
liar TO his action as speaker, and seeming as it
were 10 breathe more freely, he continued There
Is one man, and one man only, rho can sare Mis
Union. That man is HENRY CLAY. IkRoU
he has the poper-I 5eiieys he ~iH be found to
hare the patriotism and frmness equal TO Tie &C.
sasion."
Shortly after this, Mr., Randolph proceeded on
through Washington to Phadel phia where ia the
course OF few months he died. lie arrived 10 the
Deeply impressed with the great and valuable SER
vice which Mr.. Clay has just rendered the Coun.
try, he had himself conveyed 10 the Senate Cham
ber then plainly exhibiting in his face and APP
pearsnee the ravages OF that fatal disease to which
he was so to fall victim. where these two
brilliant rival orators and prodgalIy gifted favor
ties Of Nature met for the last time. As Mr. lay
approached to salute him, Mr.. Randolph said:-
MIR. Clay, you perceive am d, ing. Yes sir,
! am dying, but, thank God, have strength enough
yet LETT to return you my poor acknowledgements
for having saved the Union"
Thi, incident we understood Mr.. Faulkner to
say he derived, during recent visit the city of
Richmond, from Thomas Miller, of Powhatan, a
gentleman of high character-oue who for many
years enjoyed the intimacy and friendship of Mr.
Randolph and upon whose accuracy the utmost re-
lance could be placed
The relation Of this interesting incident in the
life OF Mr. Randolph by Mr.. Faulkner, produced
marked effect upon his audience and seemed to in
spire the speaker himself with an Increased love
for the Union, and its great defender, HESRY CLAY