John Randolph of Roanoke

Appendix 2. Randolph's Contemporaries

Appendix 2 Randolph’s Contemporaries harmanuS BLeecker (1779–1849) served as a Federalist representative from new York from 1811 to 1813. Returning home after one term, he practiced law, served in the state assembly, and was regent of the University of the state of new York. The two men were frequent correspondents, and Randolph turned to Bleecker for counsel during the imbroglio with nancy Randolph Morris.1 John BrockenBrough (1775–1852) was a physician and president of the Bank of virginia. he met Randolph during the Burr trial, and a close friendship followed. “[irritable] and sensitive as he was,” Brockenbrough wrote of Randolph, “when alone he would not only bear with patience, but would invite a full expression of his friend’s opinion.”2 The two men corresponded frequently from 1812 to 1833. “Cherish the acquaintance of [Brockenbrough ],” Randolph advised Dudley. “he is not as other men are.”3 Brockenbrough ’s home in Richmond’s Court End District—where Randolph often stayed—later served as the White house of the Confederacy. JoSeph Bryan (1773–1812) was Randolph’s friend from the rollicking days of studying law in Philadelphia. “Community of tastes and pursuits, very often vicious ones, are the foundation of most youthful friendships,” Randolph wrote. “i was most fortunate in two: Rutledge and Bryan.”4 Bryan served in the house of Representatives from Georgia for three sessions before retiring to his estate, “nonchalance.” he kept up a steady correspondence with Randolph until his death in 1812. Randolph acted as godfather to Bryan’s two sons. 241 242 appendix 2 John RandoLph CLay (1808–1885) was Randolph’s godson and spent much of his youth at Roanoke. he served as Randolph’s secretary during the ministry to Russia and, following Randolph’s resignation, continued in diplomatic service. his posts included: Russia (1830–37), Austria (1838–45), Russia again (1845–47), and Peru (1847–60). his biographer judged Clay to be “America’s first career diplomat.”5 Theodore DudLey was Randolph’s first cousin, once removed, and resided with him at Bizarre from 1800 to 1810, and at Roanoke until 1820. Randolph provided for Dudley’s education at private schools in virginia and medical school in Philadelphia. Randolph considered Dudley as a son and relied heavily on his companionship. “i consider myself,” he wrote, “under obligations to you that i can never repay.”6 Dudley practiced medicine in Richmond , and in 1834 published Letters of John Randolph to a Young Relative. JameS Mercer Garnett (1770–1843) was a member of Congress from virginia from 1805 to 1809, an original Quid, and one of Randolph’s closest friends. in addition to serving with Randolph in Congress, the two men were on the Burr grand jury and fellow delegates to the virginia Constitutional Convention. They exchanged many letters from 1805 to 1828. Garnett , Randolph wrote, was “one who has been intimately acquainted with all my views, opinions, and conduct from the commencement of the cruel persecution , that savage war on my feelings, my fortune, my fame, and, i might add, my life, that has been waged by the professors of political toleration.”7 FranciS scott Key (1779–1843), author of “The star-spangled Banner” and brother-in-law of Joseph nicholson, met Randolph while practicing law in Washington. Key was a frequent dinner companion and advised Randolph on many issues. his most significant influence was regarding issues of faith and religion. Randolph said he knew no man “more intrinsically estimable than Frank Key.”8 JoSeph h. nichoLSon (1770–1817) was Randolph’s closest congressional ally during the Jefferson administration. he served in Congress from 1799 to 1806 before becoming chief justice of the sixth Judicial District of Maryland . he and Randolph conferred and corresponded on almost a daily basis until differences about the War of 1812 cooled their friendship. Randolph’s ConteMpoRaRies 243 WiLLiam PLumer (1759–1850) was a keen observer of the Washington scene during his tenure as United states senator from new hampshire. originally a Federalist, he was later elected governor of new hampshire as a Jeffersonian Republican. his diary entries and letters frequently painted vivid pictures of Randolph in action. JoSiah Quincy (1772–1864) was vastly different from Randolph in political views and personal demeanor, yet the two men held each other in high regard and exchanged many thoughtful letters. Quincy served in Congress as a Federalist from 1805 to 1813, then returned home to serve as Boston...