The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-04-05
Deat til of George w. Randolph, ESQ

GEORGE w. RANDOLPH, Esq, of this city,
died of consumption on the Sd instant, at
Edge Hill, in Albemarlc county, the resi-
dcncc of his brother, THOMAS JEFFERSON
RANDOLPH, Esq. lie was in the fiitieth
year of his age.
Mr.. RANDOLPH was son, we believe, OF
THOMAS MANN RANDOLPH. He was
grandson of THOMAS JEFFERSON, his mother
being a daughter of that great statesman.
He was educated at the University of Vlr-
ginia, but never, We think, graduated. lie
became midshipman in the navy OF the
United States, and as such visited Europe
and the eastern world. Owing to causes
with which we are not acquainted, he re-
signed his position in the navy and re-
turned to Virginia. He then studied law,
and began the practice of that profession
in Albcmarie county. At some period
shortly previous to 1850 he removed to
Richmond. The public well remembers
him as being then a young lawyer, but one
voters of this city and advocate the white
basis as the proper one upon which repre-
sentation in our General Assembly should
be fixed. The voters did not agree with
him upon this question, which perhaps was
the only one upon which no and Mr.. Boris
ever agreed.
Mr.. RANDOLPH continued 10 be hard
student, and TO increase III reputation is a
lawyer. He sought no Office, but made it
rule, we believe, to serve the people
whenever he could. He, however, filed
no important public position until 1861,
when he became a candidate for and was,
as a sccessionist, elected to the State Con
vention which passed the ordinance Of
secession. He made the most practical
and sensible speech in favor Of secession
which was made in that body, and as a
member of the military committee rem
dered valuable and important service.
Upon the breaking out of hostiities Mr..
RANDOLPH went into the army in command
of the Richmond HowitZers. The battle
of Bethel, in June, 1861, was largely par
ticipated in by his command, and he
showed the same GOODNESS and good judg-
ment which had marked him in every pre-
vious part of his life. He was one Of the
first advocates OF stringent conScript law,
and aided, perhaps, more than any other
man to overcome the objections with which
the measure was regarded by the Virginia
Legislature. THE matter was afterwards
taken in hand and perfected by the Con-
federate Congress itself He was pro-
NOTED to be general while he
remained in the army.
Upon the resignation of Secretary
WALKER, Mr.. BENJAMIN occupied the War
office temporarily, and was then succeed
ed by Mr.. RANDOLPH. He was the best
Secretary Of War that the COnfcdcracy
had during its existence. His tirmneSs,
independence, and inilcxible determine
ton to do his duty, caused some complaints,
but his administration of the affairs Of his
department was cminently successful.
This office he resigned upon point Of Ell
quette-in fact, because he would not
consent TO be mere clerk instead of the
responsible head Of the Department. He
was soon afterwards elected to the City
Council and it shows the real character Of
the man that he should at once have &C.
cepted this comparatively obscure posi-.
tion and diligently performed its duties
His health was all this time failing, and he
finally went to Europe, where he remained
until more than a year after the war haC
closed. Since his return he has, of course
never been able To engage in business.
Mr.. RANDOLPH was remarkable for accu
racy, for consciousness, CLOSELY -alliet
virtues and for Studiousness. He was 9
good lawyer; very successful because very
careful in taking cases and diligent il
studying them. As a ni$i priuS lawyer, b,
ranked amongst the best in the city, ant
he also practiced with success in the Su
preme Court of Appeals.
Mr.. RANDOLPH has left a widow ant
| several chjldren