“It is my special wish that my said daughter shall each year keep open said island and Castle Rest from not later than the 26th day of July, which was my father’s birthday, until after the 14th day of August, which was my mother’s birthday, for the accommodation and enjoyment of all the descendants of my parents who may wish to visit and remain at said Castle Rest for the period during which it is so opened, or for any shorter time within said period.”
The power is given the daughter to dispose of this property by her last will and testament, and if this right is not exercised, the property is to pass to her issue in equal shares.
Full power is given the executors to sell or dispose of the estate at their discretion. He directs that if any residue of the estate remain after the devises, trusts and legacies specifically set forth, have been satisfied, that such excess be divided into two equal shares and held as a trust fund for his daughters.
Will of John Randolph
John Randolph—of Roanoke, as he styled himself—was born at Cawsons, near the mouth of the Appomattox River, on the 3rd of June, 1773. He died of consumption at Philadelphia on the 24th of June, 1833, at the age of sixty years.
He was one of the most remarkable characters that this country has ever produced. As is well known, he was noted both for his brilliancy and his eccentricity; he was repeatedly elected to Congress, served a short time as Minister to Russia, and was also a United States senator.
After his death, it was ascertained that he had left several wills: one was written in 1819; another, without date, though written in 1821, had four codicils, and still another was dated the first day of January, 1832. The first will was not admitted to probate; the last one was set aside, because he was not considered of sound mind at the time he wrote it. The will of 1821, however, after a long contest, was finally upheld; by this instrument, he freed over three hundred slaves. This will and the four codicils are here given literally.
“In the name of God, Amen.
“I, John Randolph, of Roanoke, do ordain this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all other wills whatsoever.
“1. I give and bequeath all my slaves their freedom, heartily regretting that I have ever been the owner of one.