Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1867-03-30

A RIOE WITH A MADMAN.
HOW JOHN RANDOLPH, OF ROANOKE, eAvI

HOW JOHN RANDOLPH, OF ROANOKE, GAVE
HIS FRIEND CRAWFORD AN AIRING!
The Atlanta (Ga. Intelligencer gives
n sketch of the eccentric and brilliant
John Randolph. 1t talks of him as the
greatest intellect Virginia has produced.
He may, probably was, the most bril-
liant. but it was the fire of insanity
He was, part of his life, as ''nad as a
March hare" One of his mad freaks is
ludicriously described by the writer in
the Intelligencer, with some excusable
exaegerations. The United States Sen
ator Crawford alluded TO was the man
that ran for President IN 1924. The
writer In the Intelligencer says:
RandOlph's friend, William Ii, Craw-
ford, of Georgia, was born In Amherst
county, Va, on the oath of February,
1872, but emigrated to Georgia at an
early day, soon became renowned as a
LAWYER and statesman-wSs elected to
the United States Senate IN 1906, and
again In 1911. Whilst members of Con-
eress. the intimacy commenced be-
tween these distinguished politicians.
In the month of December, 1910, Mr..
Randolph had an attack of periodical
govt. and went home to Roanoke.
But before leaving Washington, he
learned that his friend, Crawford, in
tended visiting Georgia during the
Christmas holidays on important bust
ness, and as he nved Immediately on
the route the Georgia Senator had to
travel, he made him agree that he would
call at Roanoke and eat his Christmas
dinner. To this, Senator Crrwford
agreed, and true to his promise, reach
ed Roanoke, the home of MIR. Rand
olph, on Christmas eve, the Oath of
Dec. 1910.
The usual custom of those days with
gentlemen travelling, was in the old
fashioned twO-wheeled gig. Mr.. Rand
olph was, OF course, much pleased to
receive so distinguished a guest. Sen
ator CraW ford says he found Mr.. r.
greatly improved In health since he
1arted with him in Washington city,
and in fine flow Of spirits. They sat
np till a late hour, discussing the poll
teal news OF the day, and men as states
men. warriors, poets and philosophers,
On retiring to bed, hlr. r. remarked to
his distinguished friend that he had
been invited to take Christmas dinner
uitb an old and esteemed friend, and
that ipasmuch as he did not know
vbatber he. Crawford, would come or
mot he had promised to attend; and
s56ed that if he, Crawford, would con-
aent 10 90. they would ''ride over in
tba morning." Senator Crawford, think
inc Mr.. r. 5 friend lived only in the
neiobborhood, consented at once. At
this, MIR. r. babe him goodnight; the
vraotber being clear but intensely cold,
and MIR. Crawford much fatigued from
his ride from Washington city to Char
Iotte county. slept soundly.
About half-past o'clock, however,
Senator G. says he was aroused from
his slumbers by MIR. 4. and a servant,
Who informed him that he must ''be
mr., as ii was time to start on the road
to dine" MIR. r. approached the bed
with large bowl of strong coffee and
brandy. and said to his friend, Drink
tbis- Crawford; 1t will open your eyes,
brace Won for the ride, and give you an
appetlte for dinner, Whilst the Sena-
tor was dressing and slipping the coffee
and brandy, Johnny approached and
adjusted a huge pair OF old English
spurs. OF the purest metal, OF great age
and artistic design. The spurs on, the
Senator was admonished that the horses
we're ready at the door by the paving
and champing of the bits; at the same
time MIR. r in that peculiar voice like
the melIiaous notes of a silver tTum-
net. said: Crawford, an is ready
let's ride.
The distinguished Georgian APP
preached the door, aad by the light of
numerous pine torches, he saw three
horses in readiness. MIR. r, pointing
TO an immense black stallion, champ
ing, paving, and snorting, held by two
stalwart negro fellows, said, Crawford,
mount that horse" Mr.. G. being a
very large and corpulent man, said
s.Mr. r., can't ride that horse. -
ssMount him, Crawford, mount him,
was the reply. Mr.. q. demonstrated, |
by saving he was not accustomed to |
horseback exercise, and he doubted his |
ability to ride that animal-pointlng TO |
the restless black stallion. Mr.. Rand
olph seemed irritated, and replied
sharply: mount, sir; mount hlmF
Mr.. q. saw that no excuse would do,
and he finally consented to mount,
which he did, after great efforts, the
stallion neighing, painting, paving and
rearing, but the negroes held him sec
1rely till the ponderous Georgian got
iairly and squarely IN the saddle, well