The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-01-29
NAV manumit them but provisions for their


ration be made in the presence Of a white
witness; and it isrequisite that the witness
after hearing the declaration should con-
tinue with the party, and never lose sight
Of them 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
allowance for your situation. John told
me this morning-"Master, you are dy-
ing"
The Doctor spoke with entire candor,
and replied that it was rather matter OF
surprise that he had lasted SO long. He
now made his preparations to die. He
directed John to bring him his fathers
breast button--he then directed him to
place it in the bosom of his shirt. 1t was
an old fashioned, large size gold stud
John placed it in the button.hole Of the
shirt bosom-but to fix it completely re.
uired hole in the opposite side.
sect knife" said he "and cut one"
A knapkin 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
"Remorse-remorse!"
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 a dictionary.
Let me see the word"
"There is none in the room SIR"
"Write it down, then. Let me see the
word.'
The Doctor picked up one Of his cards;
Randolph, of Roanoke"
"Shall write it on this card?"
"Yes, nothing more proper"
The word remorse was then written in
pencil-He took the card in hurried man.
ner, and fastened his eyes on il with a deal
of intensity. "Write it on the back" he
exclaimed-it was so done and handed
him again. He was extremely agitated
"Remorse, you have no idea of what it is
you can form no idea of it whatever, il
has contributed to bring me to my present
situation-but | have looked to the Lord
Jesus Christ and hope | have obtained
pardon. Now let John take your pencil
and draw line under the word," which
was according done. "What am to dc
with the card!" inquired the Doctor. "Put
it in your pocket-take care of it--when
am dead look at it,
The Doctor now introduced the subject
of calling in some additional Witnesses to
his declaration, and suggested sending
down stairs for Edmund Badger he replied
"I have already communicated that to
him." The Doctor then said, "With
your concurrence sir, will send for two
young physicians who shall remain and
never lose sight Of you until you are dead,
to whom you can make your declarations;
my son, DR.. Isaac Parish and my young
friend and late pupil, DR.. Francs West
a brother of Capt West"
He quickly asked, "Capt West Of the
Packet?" 'Yes sir, the same" "Send
for him, he is the man-l'll have him."
Before the door was unlocked, he point
ed towards bureau, and requested the
Doctor to take from it a remuneration fol
his services. To this the Doctor prompt.
ly replied, that he should feel as though ne
were acting indelicately to comply. He
then waived the subject by saying-"ln
England, it is always customary" The
witnesses were now sent for, and soon, ar
rived. The dying man was propped up
in the bed with pillows, nearly erect. Be.
ing extremely sensitive 10 cold he had o
blanket, which aided in keeping it close tc
his head, with countenance full of sor.
row, John stood close by the side of his
dying master. The four witnesses-Ed.
mund Badger, Francis West, Isaac Par.
ish and Joseph Parish were placed in q
semi-circle in full view. He rallied all the
experience energies Of mind and body, to
this last effort. "His whole soul,'' says
DR.. Parish seemed concentrated in the act
His eyes flashed feeling and intelligence
Pointing towards us with his long index
finger he addressed us:
ii confirm all the directions in my will
respecting my slaves and directing then
to be enforced particularly in regard TO
provision for their support" And ther
raising his arm as high as he could HI
broug ght it down with his open hand on tht
shoulder of his favorlte John and addet
these words--"especially for this man.
He then asked each of the witnesses wheth
er they understood him. DR.. Joseph Par
Iish explained to them what Mr.. Randolph
had said in regard to the law Of Virgini;
on the subject Of manumission and ther
appealed to the dying man to know wheth
er he had stated it correctly. "Yes," sait
he and gracefully waving his hand in
token of submission he added "the youn,
gentlemen will remain with me-"
The scene was soon changed. HayinI
disposed of that subject most deeply i'm
pressed on his heart, his keen penetrating
| eye lost its expression, his powerful min
Igave way and his fading Imagination be
gan to wander amid scenes and wit
friends that he had left behind. Intw
hours the spirit took its fight and all the
was mortal Of John Randolph of Roanoke