Northern Star, And Warren And Bristol Gazette

Captain Baldwin, with whom Mr. Randolph went passenger to Europe, thus attempts to vindicate himself from what he terms misrepresentations, published by the latter of the transactions during the voyage. Whether this letter, in which the captain lauds his own character very copiously, be sufficient to excuse him or the rudeness he was guilty of towards a gentleman passenger, remains for the public to decide. It is a letter written to the editor of the National Gazette and published in the last number of that paper. The Captain talks very fair, but places great authority upon his own word.

"No sooner had we gained the deck of the ship at Newcastle, than Mr. R's irritable disposition began to show itself, in consequence of his overhearing one passenger ask another whether Mr. R. had paid his steam boat fare, (his refusal to do which had become matter a public conversation on board the steam boat) for this he swore he would not do, by reason, as he alleged, of having been taken to this city against his will, and that they were therefore bound to return him free of expense; and to prevent difficulty or detention, one of the passengers actually paid Mr. R's. passage to Newcastle. It is proper for me to state here, that the stories about the dog and the duel, circulated in this city after our departure were not exactly correct; although it is true that in the affair of the dog, between myself and a steerage passenger, Mr. R. very particularly and politely requested of me permission to take the animal, and I consented; and as it regards the duel, Mr. R. did display his pistols upon deck, but for what object I cannot say, unless for the purpose of intimidation. On getting to sea, Mr. R's. querulous disposition manifested itself in such a variety of ways as to defy description. It mainly consisted in contradiction, severity of remark, profanity, vulgarity, and even obscenity; indeed, as regards the latter, such was his language, that the two gentlemen passengers who had their families with them, finally desired me to have a separate table for the ladies in their own cabin, and I was obliged to assure them that if he did not mend his manners he should have another apartment and table for his own private use. Out of such conduct, which was either alienation of mind or influence of drink, grew the affair on deck which he has so generously requested should be taken and judged by itself without any irrelevant matter. This irrelevant matter is nothing more or less than a general abuse of every thing and every body. It was his custom to go upon deck, late at night, and there interfere with the discipline of the ship, by diverting the attention of officers, helmsman and others; a practice which neither master or passengers, so far as my experience goes, will approve; nor while I am governed by my present views of duty to my owners, my passengers and myself, will I permit. On this occasion, I politely requested him not to do so, and was treated in the vulgar manner he has publicly acknowledged. The officer of the deck afterwards told me he remained in the precise position I left him for half an hour, with a large hunting knife in his hand. I was also told that he said in the ladies cabin, that but for the presence of the officer and helmsman, he would have ripped the captain up. The general conduct of Mr. Randolph had become such, that I was compelled, for the safety of all on board, to make such arrangements as would prevent him from committing any greater act of violence, should he attempt it; but I believe he got wind of what was in preparation, for he behaved much better afterwards. I am happy to reflect that I am very well known in this state, and will trust my character there and elsewhere with perfect confidence. I have been twelve years carrying passengers across the Atlantic and can truly say that John Randolph of Roanoke, is the first passenger I ever had a quarrel with on board my ship. I will merely add, that all the passengers, on this occasion, with the exception of Mr. Randolph, expressed their desire on our arrival at Liverpool, to sign a paper, declaring their entire satisfaction with my conduct throughout. I did not deem it necessary to procure such testimony, but for the fact I confidently appeal to any one of those gentlemen.

Yours respectfully