Maryland free press. [volume] (Hagerstown [Md.]) 1862-18??, 1867-02-28
WN, MD, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY as, 1867.
An Old Virginian.

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While Mr.. Randolph rarely, if ever be
on racing, yet he was always gres
admrer Of the sports of the turf, as
was his custom to attend all races betwce
horses of established or supposed celebrity
AS pistol shot, or on the wing with
douLle-barrel gun, he was uncqualed
He has been known to mount one of hi
thorough bred horses with dueling pisto
in his hand, and strike q particular win
dow sash at full speed. Also to stant
with double barrel gun in hand, and hi
an ordinary sized marble thrown with tn,
utmost velocity in any direction. AS ;
horseman and fox hunter he was no les
celebrated. He always rode with yer,
short stirrups, at rapid trot or sweep
ing gallon. In person, Mr.. Randolph va.
very feminine and dimiumutive in stature
He was FIVE feet eight inches high, per
fectly formed, and very cre.t; his stcI
quick and elastic; weight never exceeding
ninety pounds, complexion dark, with very
black cyes--and such eyes mortal mar
never had before or since. His hair was
lustrous black, and parted 10 the middle
over low forehead, and rcsembled {
white band round black hat. The rest
Of the features were in perfect accord with
thciwhole face, and while young he wa:
regarded as not only handsome, but almost
beautiful. He had not sprig Of beard
and as age and disease wore upon his fra,
gile frame, his whole appearance was much
changed He suffered from manhood to
his death with gout, in the most excruci-
ating form. In fact his physical inirmi-
ties, the gnawing of disease, made him
a confirmed misanthrope. and doubtless
had much to do with that eccertricty
which was SO notable f ature of his char
acter. " ."-'l''. p" iH-t 10 @.'
Before leaving Washington, he learned
that his friend Crawford intended visiting
Georgia during the Christmas holidays on
important business, and as he lived imm e.
diately on the route the Georgia Senator
had to travel, he made him agree that he
would call at Roanoke and eat his Christ
mas dinner. To this, Senator Crawford
agreed; and true to his promise, reached
Roanoke, the home of Mr.. Randolph, on
Christmas eve, the 24th of December,
1910. - "' -E'- ri- .
The usual custom of those days with
gentlemen travelling, was in the old-fash-
ioned two wheeled gig, Mr.. Randolph,
was of course much pleased to receive so
guest. Senator Crawford
says he found Mr.. Randolph was greatly
in health since he parted with
him in Washington city, and in fine flow
of spirits. They sat up until late hour,
discussing the political news of the day,
aud men as statesman, warriors, poets,
philosophers. On retiring te bed, Mr..
Randolph said to his distinguished friend
that he had been invited to take Christ
mas dinner with an old and esteemed
friend, and that, he did not know whether
he Mr.. OrawfordD would consent to go,
they would "ride over in the morning" D."
Senator Crawford, thinking Mr.. r.
friend lived ouly in the neigh borhood,
at once. At this Mr.. r. bade
him good night. The weather being clear
but intensely cold, and Mr. Crawford much
fatigucd from his ride from Washington
city 10 Charlotte county, slept soundly.
At half past three o'clock, however,
Senator Crawford was aroused from his
slumbers by Mr.. r. and servant who in
formed him that he must s'be up, as it
was time to start on the road to dine"
Mr.. Il. approached the bed with a large
bowl ofstrong coffee and brandy, aud said
to Lis friend; Drink this, Crawford; it
will open your eyes, brace you for the
ride, and give you an appetite for your
While the Senator was dressing,
and slipping tue coffee, and brandy
Johnny approached and adjusted a huge
pair OF old English spurs, Of the purest
metal, 'and7of great age, and artistic de-
sign. The spurs on the Senator was ad-
monishel that the horses were ready at the
door by the. paving, and champihg of the
bits; at the, same. time Mr.. r., in that
peculiar voice likcrthc mclliluous notes
Of silver trumpet, said:-".C Crawford, all
is rcady-let's ride. The distinguished
Georgian approached the door, and by the
light Of numerous pine torches, he saw
thiSC hFio ioSS III lSitAIilSoo. i1T. IL. IJJIutluS
to an immense black stallion, ehamping
paving, and snoring, held by too stalwart
negro fellows, sad:'. Crawford, mount
that horse" Mr. G.. being very large
and corpulent man, said; "Mr. Randolph,
l can't ride that horse" "NIount him,
Crawford, mount him." was the reply
Mr. Coremonstrated by saying that he
was not accustomed to horseback exercise,
and he doubted his ability to ride that an
imal-pointing to the restless black stall
lion: Mr.. Randolph seemels 'irritated,
andrepticd sharply; "NIount sir; mount
himn' Mr. G. saw that no excuse would
do, and he finally consented to mount,
which he did, after great Efforts, the stall
lion neighing, painting, paving and rear
ing, but the negroes held him securely
till the pondercus Georgian got fairly and
squarely in the saddle, well in the STIR
rups, and the reins we'll in hand. r
Mr.. r. then mounted large bay stal
lion of high mettle, and then came forth
Juba, the trusty body servant, dressed in
full livery, with cooked hat and trumpet.