University of Virginia Library

CONTENTS.

                             

CHAPTER I.
Preliminary Remarks—Genealogy of the Randolph Family—Birth of John Randolph—Early Studies—Enters Princeton College—Affair of Honor with Robert B. Taylor—Opportunities for Information with respect to the Foreign Policy of this Country—Incident at a Gaming-table—Enters into possession of his Patrimonial Estate—First elected to Congress for his own District in 1799,	5
CHAPTER II.
Mr. Randolph's Maiden Speech—Difficulty with two Officers of the Navy—Made Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means—Indefatigable in the Discharge of his Legislative Duties—Deliberations on the Cession of Louisiana by Spain and France—Impeachment of Judge Chase—The Yazoo Claim—Mr. Randolph's Speech—Debate on the Proposition to present a Sword to General Eaton—Sudden Change in Mr. Randolph's Political Sentiments—True Cause of his Hostility to the Administration—Judge Innes of Ohio—Burr's Conspiracy—Letter of Burr to Wilkinson—Anecdotes of Mr. Randolph—Debate on the Embargo Message—Case of Mr. Key,	13
CHAPTER III.
Contest on Electing the Clerk of the House—Debate on the Application of certain Appropriations—The Republican Party nominate Mr. Madison for President—Inquiry into the Conduct of General Wilkinson—Debate on the Embargo Question—Mr. Randolph's Resolutions on National Defence—Quarrel between Randolph and Eppes—and between Randolph and Alston—Mr Randolph's Style and Address as an Orator— His Personal Habits and Character,	33
CHAPTER IV.
Remarks of Randolph on Loans and Taxes—Debate on the Subject—Resolution for the Reduction of the Army and Navy—Debate on the Subject of the Repeal of the Act interdicting Commercial Intercourse— Resolution on the Demise of Lieut. Col. W. Washington—Further Debates on the Non-Intercourse Law—Congress convened by Proclamation —Petition of Matthew Lyon—Night Sittings of Congress—Convention of Commerce between Great Britain and the United States—Mr. Randolph's Speech on the Subject—Active Part taken by him on the Revenue Bills—Debate on the Constitutionality of the Appointment of P. B. Porter, as Commissioner—The Presidency and other stirring Questions —Repeal of the Compensation Act—Animadversions of Mr. Randolph on certain Irregularities in the Treasury Department—Resolution concerning Oliver H. Perry, of the U. S. Navy—Mr. Randolph's Motion on the Contingent Expenses of the House of Representatives—His Speech on the Missouri Question—Duel between Commodores Decatur and Barron—Proceedings of the House thereupon—Mr. Randolph's Speech on Appropriations for the Indian Department—Debate on the Apportionment of the Representation—Death of William Pinckney, and Oration by Mr. Randolph—Election of Mr. Randolph to the Senate of the United States—Letter from John Tyler—Public Dinners given to Mr. Randolph—Appointed Minister to Russia by General Jackson—Singular Conduct on that Occasion—Visit to England—Debate on the Subject of his Salary as Minister—His Death—Disputes concerning his Will— Anecdotes,	48
CHAPTER V.
Mr. Randolph's Voyage to England—Visit to Newgate—His Society courted by the Nobility and Gentry—Obtains the private Entrêe to the House of Commons,	113
CHAPTER VI.
Letters to T. B. Dudley and others,	117
CHAPTER VII.
Difficult to find a Parallel to John Randolph—More splendid than solid as an Orator—Want of Consistency—Fine Taste—Wit—Powers of Ridicule—His Friendship unstable—His Appetite for Money,	122
Appendix,	127