OCR Text |
Show Randolph of Roanoke. In an old book wo And a brief history of John Randolph of Roanoke. It ought to bo revived in c this year of the Jamestown exposition, for old John all his life was proud to claim that ho was a direct descendant of Pocahontas. The account tells of his peculiar personal ap-poaranco, ap-poaranco, "his unique style of dress and utter disregard dis-regard of the customs of society, together with his eccentric manner, his peculiar expressions and singular habits, rendering him an object of wonder and curiosity." He was sent as minister to Russia in 1830. His dress at that time Is described de-scribed as follows: A large white hat, much too large for his head, which ho kept in its iplace by means of a huge bandana handkerchief stuffed between his forehead and the front part of his hat; a long green coat, knee breeches and top boots." The account says: "Americans, English and Russians proceeded to witness the landing of the new American minister. He accosted the Emperor with great familiarity, and told him he wished to see 'Madam,' and when presented to the Empress, continued to address hor with that appellation." s The account adds that "he was one of the most brilliant politicians of his age, and an orator of wonderful magnetism;" that "his powers of eloquence, elo-quence, at times in speeches occupying an entire day, rang thi-Lu he House of Representatives." Representa-tives." Save for a jrief interval he was thirty years in Congress. He died aged sixty in 1833, and the comment on his life is that: "America has never known a public character so unique in its strength." He seemed to have much such a nature as had the great Carlyle, and yet It is doubtful if either was quite sane. They each had brains enough surely, but there was a streak of the wolf in eaoh of them. When the least crossed, they became wild boasts in a moment. They were both wonderful won-derful men, but they all the time were. a concernment concern-ment to their friends and a perpetual disquietude to their enemies. |