John Randolph of Roanoke

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments John Randolph wrote that his life was “not devoid of interest or events, and might be wrought up into [an] engaging narrative.” if this book confirms Randolph’s opinion, it is due to the support i have received from many persons over the past ten years. i am indebted to Andrew Burstein, editor of the Louisiana state University Press southern Biography series, for his skillful guidance in taking this project from manuscript to publication. Andy shared freely of his unrivaled knowledge of the Jeffersonian era and repeatedly sharpened my focus. i am grateful to MaryKatherine Callaway, director of LsU Press, for accepting this book, to Rand Dotson, southern studies editor, for patiently instructing me at every step during this process, and to stan ivester for his enlightening copyediting. i drew frequently on the knowledge of David Bovenizer, a fellow virginian with a profound understanding of Randolph, who was always willing to offer his insight. The late James J. Kilpatrick was the first person to encourage me to undertake a study of Randolph. The honorable Donald Lemons, justice of the virginia supreme Court, offered guidance regarding Randolph’s eccentricities and philosophical bearings. The honorable William C. Mims, justice of the virginia supreme Court, read and offered suggestions on several chapters. The honorable R. Lee Ware, virginia house of Delegates, shared his interpretation of Randolph ’s often misunderstood views about equality. Munsey s. Wheby, M.D., M.A.C.P., professor emeritus, University of 235 236 aCknowledgMents virginia Medical school, generously agreed to review accounts of Randolph ’s health and provide a diagnosis. Tim Willis, owner of Roanoke, allowed me to intrude on his working farm to spend a morning walking in Randolph’s steps. John Casteen, president of the University of virginia, provided me with an informative evening among the papers of Thomas Jefferson . John P. Ackerly, Esquire, searched for articles and individuals of interest . Patrick M. Mcsweeney, Esquire, offered sound counsel throughout the process. John Ware, my former agent, was an early supporter of this project. Among the courteous and helpful staffs at numerous libraries and archives , i particularly thank E. Lee shepherd, vice-president for collections, and the staff at the virginia historical society; Margaret hrabe and the staffs of the Alderman Library and special Collections Library of the University of virginia; Glen smith, Library of virginia; the staff at the Madison Reading Room of the Library of Congress; the honorable stuart Fallen and the Circuit Court Clerk’s office, Charlotte County, virginia; and James Benton and Aviel Roshwald of Georgetown University. i also thank David Kim for his translations of Randolph’s Latin. several of my colleagues at the office of the Attorney General took special interest in my endeavor. i am grateful to the honorable Richard Barton Campbell, Tom Moncure, Paul Forch, Alison Landry, Peggy Browne, Amy Marschean, Deb smith, Jane Perkins, Eric Gregory, Dave irvin, and Carolyn Blaylock. My longtime friend and college roommate, Brett Leake, was again a faithful companion during all the twists that accompany writing a book. And friends Wanda and Glenn Murray and Charlotte and Craig Markva were loyal supporters of my efforts. Roy and Linda hindman provided me with a peaceful retreat in the mountains of western north Carolina, where i wrote several chapters. My parents, Georgia and Edward Johnson, continued their more than fifty years of consistent encouragement. This book is dedicated to Aloma hindman, my late mother-in-law, who would have conveyed her pride in my efforts by teasing me about my choice of subject. Amanda, sarah, and Andrew have grown accustomed to sharing their father with figures from the past. Their willingness to embrace my decision makes this book a family effort. My wife holly has been my indispensable, understanding, and patient partner. Great is her faithfulness. it has been my privilege as a biographer to be associated with John aCknowledgMents 237 Randolph for more than ten years. i found him as exasperating and endearing , as inspiring and frustrating, as did most of his contemporaries. in my mind’s eye, however, he will ever be standing on the house floor—coiled whip in hand, ghastly appearance attracting and repelling, shrill words piercing the conscience of foe and friend—as freedom’s greatest advocate, the embodiment of Ephesians 6:13: “having done all to stand, stand.” This page intentionally left blank ...