A Gathering of Randolphs
Guests in attendance at the house party at Glenlyvar Plantation, home of the Randolph Harrisons, on October 1, 1792, were Richard and Judith Randolph, and Nancy Randolph. Also present was Possum John Randolph. The guest list as well included Mrs. Randolph Harrison's brother Archibald Randolph, who was also, like the three Randolph brothers, one now deceased, attracted to Nancy.
Nancy Unfit for Festivities
Upon the arrival of Nancy, Judith, and Richard Randolph at Glenlyvar, Nancy, wrapped in a thick cape, was so weak and ill she could hardly get to her intended room on the second floor. Strangely, considering the love triangle between herself, her sister, and her sister's husband, Nancy's room was next to that to be occupied by Judith and Richard Randolph. The Harrisons, sleeping on the first floor, were somewhat shielded from the full extent of the night's activities that would soon take place above them.
Unsuspecting Hosts
The Harrisons did, however, hear Nancy when, in the middle of the night, she woke up screaming. The Harrisons were told that Nancy suffered from recurring hysterical fits and had been given laudanum to quiet her.
Later that night the Harrisons also heard someone descend the stairs, then return above.
Perhaps the Harrisons did not find it unusual or suspect when the following morning Nancy remained in bed, wrapped in blankets. Surely they did deem it strange that blood was seen along the stairs.
Eventually, the house party ended but it was not until then that the slave, Old Esau, whispered to his master, Randolph Harrison, what he had seen. Old Esau had witnessed a fetus of a white child being carried out into the yard. It had been placed on a woodpile, he told his master. He had seen bloodstains on the woodpile and an old hound-dog sniffing around it.
A Mysterious Night at Glenlyvar: Did Nancy Randolph Miscarry or Murder? continues with Patrick Henry Defends Randolphs: Southern Grapevine Buzzes Murder!
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