University of Virginia Library

PREFACE.

THE inquisitive reader perhaps has some curiosity to
know how this book came to be written.

About fifteen years ago, I resided in Charlotte, my native
county, and my business called me to the homes of nearly
all the old citizens. Around the social circle they often
spoke of John Randolph—never seeming to tire of the
theme. So interesting were they, that I determined to write down their recollections, intending, at some future day, to
arrange them for a book. I had the reminiscences of my
father, the Hon. James W. Bouldin, to begin with. To his
were soon added those of William H. Elliott, Esq., who
generously came forward with a most valuable contribution.
The manuscripts of these two old citizens of Charlotte, Mr.
Randolph's own county, formed the nucleus around which
many others were gathered. So that, in the course of time,
I found myself in the possession of a fund of choice ana,
which had never been published. The recollections of a
large number of Mr. Randolph's old neighbors and acquaintances,
which have been woven into these pages, insure
a good picture, and give a pleasing variety to the work.

Since my task was begun, many of my contributors have
departed this life; and it is fortunate that their testimony
de bene esse was taken; otherwise the world might never
have known what sort of man John Randolph of Roanoke
really was. The original manuscripts which go in part to
make up this volume, constitute a precious bundle, which I
shall preserve with "miser care," as memorials of dear
friends of the olden time.

Great pains has been taken to gather fresh materials; but,
while gathering fresh materials, I have brought the works of
others into requisition. Frequent quotations have been
made from Sawyer, Garland, Baldwin, Benton and Sparks.
If possibly a valuable book has been written, it is owing to
the highly interesting and original contributions which have
been kindly furnished me, and to the choice extracts from
other sources. I claim no credit save that which attaches to
the laborious bee, gathering its precious freight, here a little
and there a little, from every blooming flower.

I am glad to be able to furnish the reader with a good
likeness of Mr. Randolph. The engraving is taken from a
portrait presented by a citizen of Philadelphia to the State
of Virginia, which several old persons, who were acquainted
with Mr. Randolph, have assured me is an excellent likeness.

It affords me great pleasure to express my thanks to several
friends, who have, in various ways, and in a special manner,

aided me in my undertaking: namely, Dr. H. C. Alexander,
of the Union Theological Seminary; Judge F. N. Watkins,
of Prince Edward county, and Messrs. R. A. Brock and
John Booker, of Richmond, Va.

And now, gentle reader, hoping that you may be pleased,
I place the result of my labors before you; and to all to
whom I am, in any way, indebted for assistance, I hereby
tender my heartfelt thanks.