The Nevada journal., 1856-07-11

HE LAST OF THE RANDoLpHs-A
NEPHEW OF JOHN RAxDoLPH.-A South
ern correspondent of the Home Journal
sends it the following interesting sketch
During the summer of 1854, I.had some
business transactions which called me to
the county of Charlotte, in Lower Virgi-
MIA. A mild and lovely Sabbath morn
ing found me seated in one of the comfort
ably-cushioned pews of the village church
at the Court House. As it wanted few
minutes to the hour Of service, my eve
wandered over the large and respectable
looking audience assembled, and it was
finally attracted by very eccentric indi-
vidual who was just entering, a rather
aged man, tall, of dark complexion, long
white hair waving plentifully over his
shoulders, and an equally venerable beard
flowing on his breast. His step was ac-
tive ard graceful, his form erect and man
ly. But his peculiar actions were in
striking contrast to his dignifed appear.
ance. At first | thought him only eccen-
trio, but few moments of further obser-
walton proved to me that he was insane.
Immediately on entering the pew he
knelt towards the wall, crossed himself
and, apparently, repeated a prayer. He
then sat down, drew out a white cambria.
delicately perfumed, wiped his brow, re-
moved his gloves, stroked his hair and
beard, took up his Bible, kissed it, and
read, examined his cane, used his handker.
chief again-and all the time keeping him.
self in constant motion 1 say all the
time, but occasionally he was passive for
few minutes-his attention, apparently
aroused by some truths from the minister
but these times were rare. His coun-
teuance assumed all kinds of expressions
contempt, alarm, pleasure, earnestness
sorrow and anger fitted across it in rapid
succession. 1t reminded me more of what
children call "ma1ing faces than any
thing else.
After the services were over, | ascer-
tanned that the gentleman was no othe,
than the nephew of John Randolph, oi
Roanoke. He calls himself Sir John St
George Randolph, and is sole heir to his
celebrated uncle Randolph himself re-
marked with bitterness, during his last
days, that their blood flowed in the veins
Of but one single scion, and he was deaf
dumb and insane. So much for human
greatness. The subject of this sketch, al
though physically and now mentally de-
fective, had a mind cultivated in the high
est degree. In his youth he was sent tc
Paris, where, uuder the protection of a
celebrated Able, he received thorough
education.
Having the capacity to receive, and the
wealth to command, no pains were spared
in the improvement of his intellectual ia
culties. But it was labor lost; for, on re-
turning to his home in Virginia, he met
with and loved young lady, whom he
addressed, but was refused, on account OF
his physical defects. On becoming aware
Of the truth, he was plunged in the most
profound grief, from which he was at last
aroused, but-insane.
He has considerable wealth, which is
managed by his friends; and being harm
less, he comes and goes as he pleases, and
is gratified in all his whims. Wrecked
as his mind is, he still commands respect
and his peculiar manners do not attract
the attention of his acquaintance, or ex-
cite merriment, as one would suppose