The Civil War Years
Pre-Civil War
Mr. Randolph heard of the war just as his plantation was truly established. He did not agree with the secession of the southern states because he did not believe the rebelling states had what it takes to win a war. Although Randolph doubted the Confederacy, he still gave money in their support.
During the War
The three Randolph sons fought for the Confederacy. Algernon Sidney was the only lost in battle. Moses Liddell contrated malaria and suffered the rest of his life. John, Jr. fought in some of the deadliest battles of the war and survived, but he never spoke of them. Mr. Randolph fled to Texas with 200 slaves when he heard about the Federal troops on the Mississippi river. He left Emily and their youngest daughter at the plantation with a handful of slaves.
Post-Civil War
In order for Emily Randolph to keep Nottoway, she had to take the Oath of Loyalty to the Union. John Randolph received help from his son Moses in Texas. With the end of the war, John returned to Nottoway and left Moses in charge of the Texas plantation. After making it back to his plantation, he had to travel to meet with President Andrew Johnson. He had to apologize and request pardon of the president. He received his pardon on February 14, 1867. With less fortune, Randolph decided to his neighbors plantations to make more money. Although he ended up with about 10,000 acres of land, he did not have the hands to keep up with them after the abolition of slavery. Randolph had to give up most of the land and ended up 400 acres of highland and 620 acres of swampland.