The weekly Anglo-African. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1859-1861, 1860-04-21
RANDOLPH OF ROANOKE.
The Last Four Days of His Life,
[COncluded. /

The interview of this morning was par
ticularly impressive. had not been long
with him before he looked at me with great
intensity, and said, in a very earnest and
distinct manner:
Il confirm every disposition in my will,
especially that respecting my slaves, whom
have manumitted, and for whom 1 have
made provision"
This declaration was to me altogether
unexpected. 1t involved subject which,
in our previous interviews, had not been
touched. 1t was one would not have in
troduced.
assured him l rejoiced to hear such a
declaration from him-he appeared anxious
to impress it on my mind. Soon after this,
/ proposed to go for short time to attend
an urgent message received just before l
left home, assuring my patient | would re-
turn as speedily as possible. He positive
ly objected to my leaving him.
you must not go-you cannot go-you
shall not leave me-"
He called to his servant, John, to take
care that the Doctor did not leave the
room. John accordingly locked the door,
and soon reported:
"Master, have locked the door and got
the key in my pocket; the Doctor can't go
now"
Ny proposal to leave him for a short
time, even on promise of return, evident
ly irritated him for a moment. 1t may
show the condition of his mind when l
state that, in the moment of excitement to
which / referred, he said: "Ifyou go, you
need not return
/ appealed to him as to the propriety of
such an order, inasmnch as l was only de-
sirous of diScharging my duty towards
another patient, who might stand in need
of assistance. His manner instantly
changed, and he said: II retract that ex-
preston"
told him / thought understood him
distinctly, on the subject he had communi-
Gated, and l presumed the Will would ex-
plain itself fully. He replied, in his pecu-
liar way:
"No, you don't understand it; | know
you don't. Our laws are extremely par
ticular on the subject of slaves. A will
may manumit them, but provision for their
subsequent support requires that declara-
ton be made in the presence of white
witness; and it is requisite that the wit
ness, after hearing the declaration, should
continue 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
allowance for your situation"
saw and felt the force of the appeal
The interest of the scene increased every
moment. / was now locked in the cham
Der of dying statesman of no common
order-one whose commanding talents,
elevated political station, combined with
great eccentricity of character, had spread
his fame not only through his native land,
but over Europe.
Directly he said, John told me this
morning, Master, you are dying"
made no attempt to conceal my views.
On the contrary, assured him / would
speak to him with entire candor on the oc-
casion, and told him it had been rather a
subject Of surprise that he had continued
SO long.
He now made his preparations to die.
Between him and his faithful servant there
appeared to be complete understanding.
He directed John to bring him his fathers