The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1857-01-17
OSAscocK, Accomac county, Va,
November II lS56

OSANCocK, Accomac county, Va,
November IL, 1856.
Gov. Henry A. Wise has a fine farm and
tastefully arranged residence lying on the
bank Of the onancock Creek, where he spent
most Of his leisure time before placed in the
gubernatorial chair. was curious to know
how man so famous throughout the coun-
try would be regarded at home, and found,
notwithstanding the old proverb, this prophet
was not without honor even in his own coun-
try. His neigh ors seem to regard the Gov
ernor rs one Of the most remarkable men OF
his time, and to think that be will ultimately
triumph over every obstacle, no matter in
what direction he cxerts his talents. They
are not more proud Of his fame as an orator
and statesman than OF some other qualities
not so we'll known at o distance.
Personally, the Governor is very pleas
ant, social, hospitable man. Like Randolph
OF Roanoke, his conversational powers are
remarkable.
Speaking Of Randolph reminds me OF the
two new anecdotes told me here respecting
this eccentric statesman. We have often
heard Of his pride Of position, and Of the con-
tempt with which he regarded all those who
did not owe something, at least, to the acct
dent Of birth. The following anecdote shows
acter;
| There was in the neishborhool Of Roam.
oke, q carpenter named Wyatt Caldwell.
who by industry and prudence, had acquired
q good property. lie was tolcraby we'll cd
ucated and highly respected by all who knew
him 90 much was he thought OF by his
neighbors that he represented them for somc
times in the State Legislature. In this man
Randolph hid the highest confidence. On
going to 4 pc he was accustomed to leave
MIR. Caldwell in charge Of his whole estate.
On one occasion he published an advertise
mont to that effect, in which he said that Mr..
Caldwell Was one OF the few honest men be
had ever met. Yet this gentleman declared.
after the death of Randolph, that noswith-
standing their long intercourse, and their
transaction Of business 10 the amount of
maAy thousands Of dollars, Randolph had
never asked him to dinner And vet he was
considered one of the most hospitable men
af the Old Dominion.
All who have read the life Of this great
man will remember the great Importance he
attached TO correc, pronunciation. His biog-
rapher, Mr.. Garland, records the fact Of his
correcting DR.. Parish twice IN his manner OF
! pronouncing words, while the doctor was
reading him n short article the day before
his death, and that when the doctor hcsitated
about adopting Mr.. Randolph's mode Of pro-
nunciation, the dying man exclaimed, in his
usual impatient, absolute manner s.pass
on, sir, there can be no doubt Of it," This
had seemed TO me to have been slightly col
ored by the biographer but the accompany
ing incident convinced me that il was but the
ruling passion strong in death.
When farewell was at the zenith of his
fame, on one occasion he made a speech .,
the bar, surprising even himself In clo-
aaence.. On finishing, Randolph approached
him and complained bitterly, with an oath,
that il was fated that nothing human should
be perfect. farewell, who was receiving
: linnaas.aned congratulations fHeHa his friends,
asked Randolph what he mcant. Ills ques-
u.ner, With all his usual acerbity, demanded !:
why didy not say hor-i-zon instead OF
/ hor. izonf Were il not for that d---d bar
parism there would have been one perfect
human produetion.''
CO There have been many definitions OF
gentleman, but the prc,tiest and most poet
( &c ~ gwen hy q lady,--sA vcnttem nm In r hu