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John Randolph of Roanoke: The True Story of a Southern Statesman

Roger Turner

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Published in John Randolph Of Roanoke (Southern Biography Series)

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John Randolph of Roanoke was a brilliant orator, a skilled politician, and a staunch defender of slavery. He was also a complex and contradictory figure, capable of both great kindness and cruelty. In this fascinating and well-written biography, historian William C. Davis brings Randolph to life, exploring the many facets of his character and his impact on American history.

John Randolph of Roanoke (Southern Biography Series)

by Tracy Kidder

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1452 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	356 pages

The Early Years

John Randolph was born in 1773 at Matoaca, his family's plantation in Virginia. He was the son of a wealthy planter and a niece of George Washington. Randolph was a sickly child, and he spent much of his youth in the care of his aunt, who instilled in him a love of learning and a strong sense of family pride.

Randolph attended the College of William and Mary, where he excelled in his studies. He was a gifted orator, and he soon became a leader among his classmates. After graduating from college, Randolph studied law and was admitted to the bar. However, he soon abandoned his legal career to pursue a life of politics.

A Rising Star

Randolph was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1799. He quickly made a name for himself as a brilliant orator and a staunch defender of states' rights. Randolph was a strong supporter of Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republican Party. He served in the House of Representatives from 1803 to 1807 and from 1809 to 1813. During his time in Congress, Randolph emerged as one of the most influential members of the Democratic-Republican Party. He was a leading opponent of the War of 1812, and he played a key role in the impeachment of President James Monroe.

A Controversial Figure

Randolph was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a brilliant orator and a skilled politician, but he was also a deeply flawed man. Randolph was a lifelong bachelor, and he was often cruel and bitter towards others. He was also a staunch defender of slavery, and he owned hundreds of slaves at his plantation in Roanoke. Randolph's views on slavery were deeply unpopular in the North, and they alienated many of his supporters.

Randolph's career was marked by both triumph and tragedy. He was a brilliant orator and a skilled politician, but he was also a deeply flawed man. His views on slavery were deeply unpopular in the North, and they alienated many of his supporters. Randolph died in 1833, at the age of 60. He is buried at Roanoke, his beloved plantation.

John Randolph of Roanoke was a fascinating and complex figure. He was a brilliant orator, a skilled politician, and a staunch defender of slavery. He was also a deeply flawed man, capable of both great kindness and cruelty. In this well-written and engaging biography, historian William C. Davis brings Randolph to life, exploring the many facets of his character and his impact on American history.

John Randolph of Roanoke (Southern Biography Series)

by Tracy Kidder

4.6 out of 5