The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1850-12-12
A Remarkable Dea,h.l,ed Scene.


The following is an extract from the life
Of JOHN RANDOLPH of Roanoke, by Hugh
A. Garland, which has just been published :
Next morning (the day on which he died)
DR., Parrish received an early and an earnes
invitation to visit him. Several persons were
in the room, but soon left it, except his SER
want, John, who was much Affected at the
sight of his dying master. The Doctor re-
marked to him, II have seen your master
very low before, and he revived and per-
haps he will again" ;'John knows better
than that, SIR" He then looked at the Doc
tor with great intensity, and said in an earn
est and distinct manner, T confirm every
disposition in my will, especially that re-
specting my slaves, whom have manumit-
led, and for whom I have made provision"
''Iam rejoiced tohesf such a declaration
from you, sir, }" replied the Doctor, and soon
after proposed 10 leave him for short time,
10 attend to another patient "You must not
CO." was the reply; ''yos cannot, you shall
not leave, me, John take care that the Doc
tor does not leave the room.o John soon
locked the door, and reported, ..'Master,
have locked the door and got the key in my
pocket: the Doctor can't go now"
He seemed excited, and said, "If you do
60 you need not return" The Doctor ap.
pealed 10 him as 10 the propristy of such an
order, inasmuch as he was only desirous of
discharging bis duty to another patient. His
manner instantly changed, and he said, ~
retract that expression.n Some time after,
wards, with an expressive look, he said a.
gain, III retract that expression"
The Doctor now said he understood the
subject of his communication, and presumed
the Will would explain itself fully. He re-
piled in his peculiar way-"No, you don't
understand it; know you don't Our laws
are extremely particular on the subject of
slaves--a will may manumit them, but pro
visions for their subsequent support requires
that declaration be made in the presenc e
of white witness; ard it Is requisite tn at
the witness, after hearing the declaration,
should remain with the party and never lose
sight Of him, until he is gone or dead. You
are good witness for John. You see the
propriety and importance of your remain
ing with me; your patients must make al
lowance for your situation. John told me
this morning-'master, you are DYING"
The Doctor, with entire candor, replied,
that it was rather matter of surprise that he
had lasted so long. He now made his prep.
arations TO dic.--Hc-a:secssdJ John 10 bring
him his fathers breast button; he then di-
rected him to place it in the bosom of his
shirt. 1t was an old fashioned large sized
gold stud. John placed it in tho button
hole of the shirt bosom-but 10 fix it COM
petely, reqnired hole on the opposite side
"Get knife" said he, "and cut one" A
napkin was called for, and placed by John
over his breast. For short time he lay
perfectly quiet, with his eyes closed. He
suddenly reused up and exclaimed-"Re-
morse remorse p' 1t was thrice repeated,
the last time at the top of his voice, with
great agitation He cried out--''let me see
the word. Get Dictionary; let me see the
word" "There is none in the room sir.n
"Write it down then--let me see the word !"
The Doctor picked up. one OF his cards,
Randolph of Roanoke"-nshall write it
on this card!n "Yes, s,ecsfing more pfoper.'
The word remorse, was then written in pen
Gil. He took the card in hurried manner
and fastened his eyes on it with great inten.
sity. "Write it on the back" he exclaimed
it was done and handed him again. He
was extremely agitated-"Remorse! you
have no idea what it is; you can form no
idea of it, whatever; it has contributed TO
bring me to my present situation-5ut have
looked 10 the Lord Jesus Christ, and hope
have obtained pardon. Now let John take
your pencil and draw a line under the word
which was accordingly done. "What am
to do with the card ?" inquired the Doctor
"Put it in your Locket-take care Of it
when am dead, look at it,"
The Doctor now introduced the subject Of
calling in some additional witnesses 10 his
declarations, ana suggested sending down
stairs for Edmund Badsas.- He replied--'T
have already communicated that TO him."
The Doctor then said--"With your concur.
renee, sir, will send for two young physl-
clans, who shall remain and never lose sight
of you until you are dead; TO whom you
can make your declarations--my son, DR..
Isaac Parrish, and my young friend and late
pupil, DR.. Francis West, brother of Capt
West.n
He quickly asked-"Captain West of the
Packets" eyes sill, the same.n 'sSend for
him-he's the man-I'll have him."
Before the door was unlocked, he pointed
towards bureau, and requested the Doctor
TO take from it a remuneration for his ser
vices. To this the Doctor promptly replied,
that he would feel as though he were acting
indelicately, 10 comply. He then waived
the subject, by saying-ein England, i. is
always customary Ate
The witnesses wers now sent Tor and soon
arrived, The dying man was propped up in
the bed, with pillows, nearly erect. Being
extremely sensitive TO cold, he had "a blan-
ket over his head and shoulders and he di
rected John TO place his hat on, over the