The New Hampshire Gazette

From the Columbian.

The writings of Mr Randolph, from the originality of their style, the force of their arguments, and the independence of spirit which breathes throughout every line, whether penned from the couch or the forum, are calculated to excite attention, and awaken curiosity. Having recently published some specimens of his talent in political satire, it may be amusing to some of our readers to see a sketch of his early life and character.

SKETCH OF THE CHARACTER OF JOHN RANDOLPH, ESQ. M. C.

The subject of this memoir is a descendant of one of the most ancient families in the state of Virginia, and is allied by blood to the famous queen Pocahontas. He was born about the year 1777,* and received the rudiments of his education at Richmond Academy, from whence he was sent with two senior brothers to this city to have the advantage of a college education. While here, he mingled seldom in the youthful sports of his contemporaries; and at the hours of permitted and necessary amusement, he was frequently to be seen as a literary lounger in John Reid's book store, carefully perusing some favorite author, or invisible to all, being locked up in his favorite apartment. Hence he was denominated the "book worm," the "young pedant," of his class. At that time, however, (perhaps the most important in the life of a man of genius) while his thoughtless classmates and giddy brothers were devoting their days to dissipation, and preparing sorrow as the treasure of more advanced years, young Randolph was waxing pale over the midnight lamp, and distilling sweetness from the Greek and Roman spring. After finishing his studies with credit, and obtaining his degree, he returned to his native state, and at the solicitation of an affectionate and amiable father, commenced the study of the law under the care of a maternal uncle. Naturally a hard student, the disgusting and dry reading of Coke and Littleton did not alarm him; in a short period, by perseverance he obtained a profound general knowledge of that important science. His talents were as yet known only to the select few whom he accounted his friends.— But after commencing his practice, on the first favorable opportunity that offered, he shone forth as the sun after a cloud has obscured his resplendence, and illuminated the whole horizon within his circle. His fame spread like electricity. and with it his practice increased in proportion. But the death of his venerated father and his elder brother, which happened about this time, left him more than a competency for one of his abstemious habits ; he therefore relinquished the law as a profession, and, in his course of study, commenced that of the law of nature and nations. His fellow-citizens considering him a prodigy, elected him their representative in Congress at the juvenile age of 22* years, and he has since continued one of the most active and useful members in that house, which is so emphatically the legitimate organ of the nation's will

We shall never forget the day when the beardless legislator presented himself before Mr Sedgwick, the speaker, to take the customary oath Struck with his boyish appearance, he demanded with that sternness which was peculiar to him whether Mr R was of age. "Ask my constituents, sir, who sent me here." retorted he; which silenced the speaker, and astonished the other members of the house.

On all questions, Mr Randolph has ever taken a decided part in debate and been a thorn in the side of the party to whom he had been opposed.

In private life John Randolph is humane and benevolent ; but in the social circle is too apt to assume a dictatorial manner. Naturally irritable, such is the strength of his passions, that if you once offend him, you make him your enemy forever. As a proof of this, and in order to account for a very extraordinary change in Mr Randolph's mode of thinking, we shall record an anecdote of him and can vouch for its authenticity. From the time that Mr R. was introduced into public life a very friendly intimacy subsisted between him and Mr Madison. The house of the latter was Mr R's home, and he was considered as a son of the family. Although he frequently violated the rules of decorum, by attempting to dictate to the secretary of state respecting his official duties, it was overlooked. Not content, however, with this, he attempted to play off some of his biting and sarcastic humor on the dress, the manners and the management of the female part of the family, This rudeness was properly resented from that quarter From that day Mr. Randolph became a stranger to the family ---from that day he has been the enemy of one of his warmest friends, and from that time forward was the open and avowed foe of Mr Jefferson's administration.

In order to account for the revolution in Randolph's political sentiments, it has been asserted that he was disappointed in a foreign embassy From the highest authority we know that it is a mistake ; for he never solicited a foreign appointment. The weakness of his constitution, and his natural petulance of temper renders him unfit to fill a diplomatic station

As an orator, John Randolph is the first on the floor of Congress, He unites the solidity of a Fox with the fire of a Burke —the majesty of a Pitt with the playful humor and biting satire of a Sheridan. His action is chaste and his diction classical. Although his voice is weak and effeminate, yet his utterance is distinct and melodious. We have often sat for hours together in raptures listening to the declamations of our little hero, and our judgment has frequently been for a moment vanquished by the force of his eloquence.

Such is John Randolph, a man to whom nature has been prodigal of her gifts--the greatest of orators--the most inconsistent of men.

VIR. SCRIPT.

Jan. 1.

*Vir Script must be mistaken here Mr Randolph was a member of the 5th Congress, elected in the year 1796, at which time he must, by the United States constitution, have been 25 years old, making him now at least 38. and the year of his birth 1771. He was undoubtedly elected the first year of his constitutional eligibility

Editor Columbian.