701To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 20 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Docketed “Decr 20th 1782” by JM. Cover addressed to “The honble James Madison jr. esq of congress Philadelphia.” Randolph may have written this letter, or the greater part of it, on 19 December and then postdated it. See n. 12, below. The journal of the house of delegates from Saturday last to this day includes the following points,...
702Enclosure Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on Convening Congress, 5 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
On the question, whether congress be now called, At a past day this question was agitated; and it was an unanimous opinion, that congress should not be then called. A revision of that opinion confirms me in its propriety. Some farther reasons therefore, amounting to what the constitution calls an “ extraordinary occasion ” must have occurred since; before if that opinion is to be relinquished....
703To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 20 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned letter, in Randolph’s hand, addressed to “The honble James Madison jr. of congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “June 20. 1782.” To the left of this date and at a right angle to it, he also wrote “Rept. on Instruction.” This jotting apparently bears no relation to the contents of the letter. The italicized words are those written by Randolph in the...
704To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ many mails have passed since I wrote to you last, I am not without excuses of a satisfactory nature; which are too long and unimportant to you to hear in detail. Having shaken off the impediments to writing, I shall be hereafter punctual. My letter is now inclosed to you. What the general opinion is, I would not undertake to vouch because I stay much at home, and I find daily reason to...
705To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 29 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed to “The Ho[n?]ble James Madison.” Docketed by JM, “Novr. 29th. 1782. Secy. F. A. Mr. J. Jay.” For a probable explanation of these notations following the date, see Notes on Debates, 28 November ; JM to Randolph, 2 December 1782 . The italicized words are those written in the Randolph code. I yesterday saw Mr....
706To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of submitting to the President of the United States the following observations on the act, providing for the relief of such of the inhabitants of St Domingo, resident in the United States, as may be found in want of support. As soon as the act had passed, a letter (marked A) was written to the Representatives of the several states in Congress. Answers have...
707To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 1 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed by him to “The honble James Madison jr. esq of congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “March 1st. 1783.” Being here on business, I can not inspect your figures of feby. 18. The drift of them is, however, seen, and I have already met the sentiments half way, by an adherence to my opinion of the necessity of reviving...
708To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 9 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Among my first reflections upon the two letters, which you did me the honor of shewing to me yesterday and the day before, I could not forget, that they produced a degree of delicacy to myself. The authors of them are of the number of my friends; and one is closely connected with me by other considerations. However, I did not rest long upon any idea of this kind; being persuaded, that after my...
709To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 15 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Letter unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Addressed by Randolph to “The Honble Jas. Madison jr. esqr. of congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “Jany. 15. 1782,” a misdating by a year. The extreme badness of the weather prevented me from sending a letter from hence to Richmond for the post of last week. As I am really uneasy, at a little seeming omission on my part to...
710To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 12 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
The two questions, which I had the honor of receiving from you on the 29th Ultimo, being preparatory to the measures, which appear to me most adviseable to be pursued, on the late treaty with Great Britain; I shall take the liberty of connecting the whole subject together. Had the senate advised and consented to a ratification in an unqualified manner, the President would have had nothing, but...
711To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 6 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
The attorney-general has the honor of reporting to the President, on the questions propounded for consideration, as follows: Altho’ the questions are separately stated; yet are they in general so interwoven in substance, that the discussion of one must frequently run into others. The proclamation has announced the neutrality of the U.S. With this almost every citizen is in unison; and the few,...
712Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the French Consul at Boston, [31 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st. day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mr Gore to mr Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by process from...
713Cabinet Opinion on French Privateers, 3 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
That The Minister of the French Republic be informed that the President considers the U. States as bound pursuant to positive assurances, given in conformity to the laws of neutrality, to effectuate the restoration of, or to make compensation for, prizes which shall have been made of any of the parties at war with France subsequent to the fifth day of June last by privateers fitted out of...
714Cabinet Opinions on Relations with France and Great Britain, 7 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
A circular letter from the Secretary of state to the Consuls and Vice Consuls of France, informing them that their Exequaturs will be revoked if they repeat certain proceedings, also one to Mr. Genet covering a copy of the letter of the Secretary of state to Mr. Gouverneur Morris desiring the recall of Mr. Genet, were read and approved. A letter from the Governr. of Georgia to the Secy. of...
715Cabinet Opinions on the Debt to France, 25 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Feb. 25. 1793. The President desires the opinions of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney General on the following question, to wit. Mr. Ternant having applied for money equivalent to three millions of livres to be furnished on account of our debt to France at the request of the Executive of that country, which sum is to be laid out in provisions within the US. to be sent to...
716Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Time, Place, and Manner of the President-Elect Taking the Oath of Office, [28 February … (Hamilton Papers)
If the qualification is to be in private, T.J, A.H H.K and E.R, are of opinion, that Mr. Cushing should administer the oath to the President at his own house, where such officers, or others, as he may notify, will attend. T.J. and A.H. think, that it ought to be in private. H.K. and E.R. on the other hand think, that the qualification ought to be in public: and that the Marshal of the district...
717Enclosure: Opinion on the Constitutionality of the Bank, 12 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Attorney General of the United States in obedience to the order of the President of the United States, has had under consideration the Bill, entitled ‘An Act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States,” and reports on it, in point of Constitutionality as follows: It must be acknowledged, that, if any part of the bill does either encounter the Constitution, or is not...
718Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Request for a Passport, [31 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
I am of opinion that a passport ought to be granted, under the restrictions, proposed by the petitioners, [(viz) the vessel to be American in ballast & to have passports from the several foreign Ministers.] I am inclined to think that the Embargo extends to all vessels which are not in some degree or other considered as under the direction of the President of the U.S. D , in the handwriting of...
719Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Call for Volunteers from Kentucky, 13 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of the departments and the attorney General, at the house of the President of the United States, the subject of affording an auxiliary force to Major General Wayne for the purpose of enabling him to make a vigorous and offensive campaign against the hostile Indians being considered, it was advised, that he be authorised, to call for two thousand mounted volunteers...
720IX, 28 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
Heads of matter, to be communicated to congress, either in the speech, or by message, as collected from the notes of the President, and the other gentlemen. advised speech— I. The acknowledgment to the people, which the reelection of the President would naturally excite add—speech II. The proclamation do 1. Referring to the time, when it issued. do 2. Assigning the motives of it to be do ...
721Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on the Application of Money Given by Law to the Indigent of Santo Domingo, [22 April 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
We do ourselves the honor of advising the President of the U. S. to apply the remainder of the money, given by law to the indigent of St. Domingo, resident here, to the furnishing of them with the means of going thither, it being known, that several vessels are now bound thither from different parts of the U. S. with passports for the purpose of conveying them. DS , in the writing of Edmund...
722Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Communicating to the Senate the Dispatches of Gouverneur Morris, [28 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments January 28, 1794. Upon consideration of the resolution of the Senate, of January 24, 1794, calling for the correspondences, therein mentioned: General Knox is of opinion, that no part of the correspondences should be sent to the Senate. Colo. Hamilton, that the correct mode of proceeding is to do, what General Knox advises; but that the principle is...
723Cabinet Opinion on Prizes and Privateers, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That the Minister of the French Republic be informed that the President considers the UStates as bound pursuant to positive assurances, given in conformity to the laws of neutrality, to effectuate the restoration of, or to make compensation for, prizes which shall have been made of any of the parties at war with France subsequent to the fifth day of June last by privateers fitted out of their...
724Rules on Neutrality, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
1. The original arming and equipping of vessels in the ports of the United States by any of the belligerent parties, for military service offensive or defensive, is deemed unlawful. 2. Equipments of merchant vessels by either of the belligerent parties in the ports of the United States, purely for the accommodation of them as such, is deemed lawful. 3. Equipments in the ports of the United...
725Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Presidential Message to Congress on the Recall of Edmond Charles Genet, [19 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
For the correction of Colo. H. & Genl K. Having already laid before you a letter of the 16th. of August 1793, from the secretary of State to our minister at Paris, stating the conduct, and urging the recal of the minister plenipotentiary of the republic of France; I now communicate to you, that his conduct has been unequivocally disapproved; and that the strongest assurances have been given,...
726To John Adams from George Washington, 3 March 1795 (Adams Papers)
The Secretary of State does himself the honor of requesting the favor of an acknowledgment that the enclosed summons has got safe to hand. United States March 3. 1795. The President of the United States to the Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate Certain matters touching the public good, requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Monday the 8th of June next; you...
727Opinion of Attorney General on the Case of James O’Fallon, 14 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The opinion is, The measures fit to be taken by way of precaution to the commandant of Fort Washington, are not here noticed. PrC ( DLC ); in handwriting of Edmund Randolph, except for date and some overwriting of blurred words which are in TJ’s hand. Recorded in SJPL . James O’Fallon, an Irish adventurer who acted as general agent of the South Carolina Yazoo Company in Kentucky, entered into...
728Cabinet Opinions on the Roland and Relations with Great Britain, France, and the Creek Indians, 31 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mister Gore to mister Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by...
729Cabinet Meetings. Proposals Concerning the Conduct of the French Minister, [1–23 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments & the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st. & 2d. of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of mr Genet’s correspondence & conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the US. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the US. & mr Genet,...
730Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on a Request for Payment of Installments on the French Debt, [11 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and the attorney general, on the 11th. of March 1794. It is advised unanimously, that Mr. Fauchet be informed, that He shall be supplied with the instalments, due in September and November next, according to the manner, expressed in the report of the Secretary of the treasury to the President on this subject. It is proposed by the Secretary of the...
731Cabinet Meeting. Opinion Respecting the Proposed Treaty with the Indians Northwest of the Ohio, [25 February 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
The President having required the attendance of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney general at his house on Monday the 25th. of Feb. 1793. the following questions were proposed and answers given. 1. The Governor of Canada having refused to let us obtain provisions from that province or to pass them along the water communication to the place of treaty with the Indians, and...
732Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Expeditions Being Planned in Kentucky for the Invasion of the Spanish Dominions, [10 March … (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments, and the attorney general at the President’s on the 10th. day of March 1794. The intelligence from Kentucky, and the territory no. West of the Ohio, was laid before them; whereupon it was advised 1. that a proclamation issue against the expeditions, understood to be prepared in Kentucky, for the invasion of the Spanish dominions. 2. that a...
733Cabinet Opinions on Edmond Charles Genet, 23 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments and the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st. and 2d. of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of Mr. Genet’s correspondence and conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the US. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the US. and...
734Cabinet Opinion on the Rules of Neutrality, 3 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
August 3. 1793 The foregoing rules having been considered by us at several meetings, and being now unanimously approved, they are submitted to the President of the United States. DS , in George Taylor, Jr.’s writing, DLC:GW ; copy (letterpress copy), DLC : Jefferson Papers; LB , DLC:GW ; Df , in Alexander Hamilton’s writing, DLC : Jefferson Papers; copy, DNA : RG 46, Third Congress, 1793–1795,...
735Cabinet Opinion on Military Rations, 28 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Having considered the note of the President of the U.S. to General Knox, on the subject of increased rations; we are of opinion, that a proposition to congress at this time concerning such increase would be inexpedient, even if the question were more free from difficulty, than it is. But liable as it is to objections , the inexpediency of such a proposition now , acquires double force. MS (...
736Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Restoring the Brigs Conyngham and Pilgrim to the British, [27 March 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and Attorney general. March 27. 1794. The Secretary of War, the attorney general and the Secretary of State advise, that the Conyngham be not delivered up to the British owners; the secretary of the treasury dissenting. The Secretary of the treasury, the Secretary of war, and the attorney general advise, that the Pilgrim be delivered up to the British...
737Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Drafting of Militia by Governor Thomas Mifflin, 24 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon consideration of the letter of Governor Mifflin to the President of the US of this date respecting his drafting one thousand men of the Western militia of this state, for the purpose of supporting a detachment directed to take possession of Presque Isle it was advised That an answer of the following purport be given. “That on mature reflection the President is of opinion that it is...
738Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Writing to the King of Prussia Concerning the Marquis de Lafayette, [14 January 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments at the President’s, on the fourteenth day of January 1794. It was propounded by the President, whether in consideration of the eminent services of M. de la Fayette, to the U. S. and his present sufferings, it be not adviseable for the President, in a private , and unofficial character, to address to the King of Prussia a letter, requesting his release...
739Minutes of a Meeting Concerning the Insurrection in Western Pennsylvania, [24 August 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a Meeting at the Presidents House City of Philadelphia Aug 24. 1794 Present The President of The United States. The Secretary of State The Secretary of the Treasury. The President proposed for the opinion and advice of The Secretary of State & the Secretary of the Treasury the following questions. 1 Shall orders issue for the immediate convening of the whole or any part of the Militia...
740Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Sending an Agent to the Choctaw, 1 [–5] June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
That an Agent be sent to the Choctaw nation to endeavor secretly to engage them to support the Chickasaws in their present war with the Creeks, giving them for that purpose arms and ammunition sufficient: and that it be kept in view that if we settle our differences amicably with the Creeks, we at the same time mediate effectually the peace of the Chickasaws & Choctaws, so as to rescue the...
741Cabinet Opinions on Sending an Agent to the Choctaw Indians, 1 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That an Agent be sent to the Choctaw nation to endeavour secretly to engage them to support the Chickasaws in their present war with the Creeks, giving them for that purpose arms and ammunition sufficient: and that it be kept in view that if we settle our differences amicably with the Creeks, we at the same time mediate effectually the peace of the Chickasaws and Choctaws, so as to rescue the...
742Cabinet Opinions on Indian Affairs, [25 February 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The President having required the attendance of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney general at his house on Monday the 25th. of Feb. 1793. the following questions were proposed and answers given. 1. The Governor of Canada having refused to let us obtain provisions from that province or to pass them along the water communication to the place of treaty with the Indians, and...
743II, November 1793 (Washington Papers)
Heads of subjects to be communicated to congress; some at the opening, others by messages. 1. The proclamation, and the reasons for issuing it, together with an observation on the French treaty. 2. The selling of prizes in our ports. 3. The engagement concerning compensation for vessels, captured under certain circumstances. 4. The propriety of vesting the fœderal courts with power to aid the...
744Enclosure: Draft for “A Proclamation By the President of the United States”, 24 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
Whereas the situation of public affairs requires, that the ensuing session of congress should not be postponed beyond the first monday in december next, being the day appointed by the constitution of the United States for the assembling thereof; and there is reason to doubt, whether the city of Philadelphia, the temporary seat of government, which for some time past hath laboured under a...
745Cabinet Opinion on the American Debt to France, 2 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President communicated to the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of War and the Attorney General of the United States, a letter from William S. Smith Esqr. of the 28th. of February past, to the Secretary of the Treasury, with sundry Papers No. I. II. III and IV. relating to a negotiation for changing the form of the debt to France; and required their opinion...
746IV, November 1793 (Washington Papers)
As soon as the European war had embraced those nations, with which the U.S. have an extensive commercial intercourse, there was reason to apprehend, that this intercourse might be interrupted, and our disposition for peace drawn into question, by the suspicions, usually entertained by belligerent powers. It seemed therefore to be my duty, to admonish my fellow-citizens, of the consequences of...
747Enclosure: Additional Considerations on the Bank Bill, 12 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
No.2 Feby 12th 1791. The attorney general, holding it to be his duty to address to the President of the United States, as the grounds of an official opinion, no arguments, the truth of which he does not acknowledge; has reserved for this paper several topic’s, which have more or less influenced the friends & enemies of the bank-bill; and which ought therefore to be communicated to the...
748Cabinet Opinion on the Recall of Edmond Genet, 23 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments & the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st & 2d of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of mister Genet’s correspondence & conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the U.S. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the U.S. & mister...
749Proposals to Furnish Delegates Copies of Papers to Be Debated, [ca. 28 December] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 23, fol. 79). Docketed: “Report of Comee. on Motion of Mr. Middleton Decr. 28. 1781 Mr. Middleton Mr. Clymer Mr. Clark for furnishing the members of Congress with printed Reports before debated.” The first of the proposals shown below is in Edmund Randolph’s hand, the second in JM’s. Resolved, that the secretary upon application to him made for that purpose furnish a copy...
750Cabinet Opinions on Edmond Charles Genet and James King, 7 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and Atty. Genl. at the President’s on the 7th. of Dec. 1793. Mr. Genet’s letter of Dec. 3. questioning the right of requiring the address of Consular commissions to the President was read. It is the opinion that the address may be either to the US. or to the President of the US. but that one of these shoud be insisted on. A letter from James King was...