The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1867-03-28
An OLD VIRGINIAy.

HhS W.T. haHuOiph rarely, II ever
bet on racing, yet he was always a great
adniirer Of the sports of the turf, as it
was his custom to attend all races be.
tween horses of established or supposed
celebrity As pistol shot. or GU the
wing with double barrel gun, he was
uucquallcd. He has been known to
mount one of his thorough bred horses
with duelins pistol iu his hand, aud
stukc Particular window sash at iul.
speed. Also to stand with double bar
rel gun in hand, aud hit ap ordinary
sized marble thrown with the utmost
velocity in any direction. Asa a horse,
nlan and fox hunter he was no less eel.
ebratsl. lie always rods with very
short stirrnps, at rapid trot ora sweep
inS gallop. In person, Mr.. Randolph
Was very feminine and dminmutiyc in
stature. lie was FIVE feet eight inches
high, perfectly formed. and very erect +;
his step quick and elIstic weight ncy.
cr exceeding ninety pounds, complexion
dark, with very black eyes-and such
eyes mortal man never had before or
siuce. His hair was lustrous black
aud parted in the middle, over low
forehead, aud resembled u white baud
round a black bat The rest of the fea.
lures were in perfect accord with the
whole face, aud while young he was re-.
gardcd us not only handsome, but al.
most beautiful. He had not a spriy of
beard, aud as age auC disease wore upon
his fragile frame, his whole appearance
was much changed. lie suffered from
manhood to his death with gout, in the
most excruclatlng form. la fact his
physical iufrmitles, the gnawing OF
disease, Tade him confirmed nlsan.
thrope, and doubtless had much to do
with that eccentrcity which was SO no.
table a feature OF his character.
Before leaving Washington, he learned
that his friend Crawford intended yis-
iting Georgia during the Christmas hol.
idays on Important business, aud as he
lived Immediately on the route the
Georgia Senator had to travel, he made
him agree that he would call at Roam
okc and eat his Christmas dinner. To
this, Senator Crawford 'agreed; aud
true to his promise, reached Roanoke,
the home Of Mr.. Randolph, on Christ.
mas eve, the 24th OF December, 1910.
The usual custom OF those days with
gentlemen travelling, was in the old
fashioned two wheeled gig. Mr.. Ran.
doIph, was of course much pleased to
receive SO distinguished guest. Sen.
ater Crawford says he found Mr.. Ran
dolph was greatly improved in health
since he parted with him in Washington
city, aud in fine flow of spirits. They
sat up until a late hour, discussing the
political news OF the day, aud meu as
statesmen, warriors, poets, philosophers.
On retiring to bed, Mr., Randolph said
to his distinguished friend that he had
been invited to take Christmas dinner
with an old and esteemed friend, aud
that, be did not know whether he (Mr.
Crawlord) would consent to 20. they
would ride over in the morning. -
Senator Crawford, thinking Mr.. RS
friend lived oaly 10 the neighborhood,
consented at once. At this Mr.. II. bade
him good night The weather being
clear but intensely cold, aud Mr.. Craw-
ford much iatigued from his ride from
Washington city to Charlotte county,
slept soundly.
| At half mast tbrea o'cloct bowa,,..