Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-10-27
tFrom The Model American Courer.l
n RECOLLECTIONS OF JOHN RANDOLPH,
OF ROANOKE.
By BILLY BIRD. OF VIRGINIA.


So much has been written of this eccentric
and remarkable man, that anything now
must appear ia lwice-iold tale,n however,
my acquaintance who treasured M every
saying of his early friend, gave me an oppor-
luniiy of hearing of many Of his ''oddi,ies.n
Randolph in dress and appearance a, the
age of ,hiry-fve years, appeared like lad
OF eighteen. 1t was not so much what was
said. but the speakers manner and appear.
ance, that gave i, snch whitening force
generally, if not always in debate, pointing
his skinny finger with ludicrous and feeling
effect. Randolph had little or no opposition
for his seat in Congress from the Charlotte
district, and felt secure in the confidence of
his constituents, when: 10 his surprise, he
found no humble competitor for his congress
sonal honors in The person Of ]. w. Eppes
backed by the influence of MIR. jefferson, his
fa,her-in.law. 1t was during debate with
this gentleman befots large audience of
his constituents in the county Of Charlotte,
Va, that Randolph, in his own peculiar man.
ner and shril voice, asked. and several times
repeated the questou-"Why do yon wish
to turn me but, fellow citizens !n-He much
INDUCED in the Socraiic mode of debate.
For some moments all was still-none dar.
ing TO reply-when about again to ask the
question, an old farmer a near neightor of
Randolph's, and remarkable for coarse,
cultural voice, loudly replied:
Tll tell you why we wish to turn you ou,
MIR Randolph ''.~
Why, srp says Randolph.
Because the old man rejoined, G've al
was hearn that it is best to change rams ant
overseers every seven years!'
This luiicrous reply, as was expected
caused bursts of laughter, in which none
joined more heartily than did Randolph, an,
such was the EFFECT that he scarcely recover
ed from it to proceed, 1t so pleased him b.
its pure originality, ihat the old man foun,
on the next day barrel of the best appl
brandy at his door, as present from Mr. r
and an invitation 10 dine with him, which b
rarely extended to any.
| At this time also, he, with great force an
effect, such as he alone could WELD, CON
pared MIR. Eppes to tin-whis,le, whic
sounded only such notes as Mr., Jefferso
chose to blow. Randolph ever seemed
have an aversion, when speaking, to be hear
by ladies.
1t was during the session of the Virgin
, Convention, Of which he was member, th
a large crowd had assembled, among il man
ladies', patiently waiting TO hear him on
subject in which he known to be interests
e 1t was near O'Clock, p M, before his lor
q lank form was seen quickly TO pop up fro
c; its seat The hum of voices was instant
ii hushed, all listening for the first words of h
a, speech. Looking around for some time,
Said fsft lIWy
: ~ do not feel Mr.. President, that III
. Convention is a suitable place for ladies, al
| must plainly tell them that shall quick
N speak that which will make them move.n
1t was enough, the galleries were clear
& Of the ladies in double quick time, when
"a a proceeded. ag see. sagio,1.iss N +
il A gentleman Tiny old and lamented scho
= MASTERY once told me that he had been stan
ID ing some five hours in the hall waiting
= hear Randolph, and had become almost tir
out, but when nc commenced, his faiig