601To John Adams from Edmund Randolph, 19 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
Your friendly answer to the letter, which I took the liberty of addressing to you in favor of Col o. Heath, has increased the attachment, which your civility to me in 1775, and your public conduct since, first produced My application in that gentleman’s behalf being founded on a conviction of his worth, I conceived, that it might not be improper to make that worth known to all those, who might...
602To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am told, that within these few days a considerable quantity of Madeira wine has been run into Virginia in the face of day; and that the opinion of the bar is, that neither law nor court exists, which can embrace the case. We shall have a total anarchy in the customs, unless you speedily forward both to us. The impost-bill, we are informed, has been matured into a law. We hear nothing of...
603To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 30 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I thank you sincerely for several letters, which my vagrant life between this place and Richmond upon business has prevented me from acknowledging in due season. The amendments, proposed by you, are much approved by the strong fœderalists here and at the Metropolis; being considered as an anodyne to the discontented. Some others, equally affectionate to the union, but less sanguine, expect to...
604To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
While I acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 10th. instant, I must assign as my apology for forgetting to answer the legal question, that a variety of family sickness has taken away a cool attention to business. The deed, to which the inclosed memorandum relates was executed in France. The following extract from a law of the revised code, intituled an act for regulating conveyances,...
605To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I was this morning favored with yours of the 12th. instant, as I had been many weeks before with your other from Alexa. I did not recollect, that I had omitted to acknowledge the receipt of the latter until you expressed a doubt of its miscarriage. I confess, it strikes me, as expedient, that a temporary arrangement of impost should be made. The merchants, (I am told and I believe with truth)...
606To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
Colo. Griffin having announced to me, that you were safely lodged within the fœderal precincts, I shall renew the assault of my uninteresting correspondence. There is a general calm of politicks. The discontented themselves seem willing to wait with temper, until congress shall open their views. It gave me much pleasure, to read your letter to Colo. T. M. Randolph; as it shews a consciousness...
607To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1789 (Madison Papers)
Among the arrangements of office which will most likely take place in the United States, some will probably be peculiar to the different states. As I am confident that a knowledge of characters here would assist those in whose hands this business rests, I shall not scruple to request your attention to my particular friend colo. William Heth. He was an officer of distinguished merit in the...
608To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 10 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
On thursday last the candidates for the senate were nominated; and Mr. Henry, after expatiating largely in favor of Mr. Lee and Mr. Grayson, concluded that yourself, whose talents and integrity he admitted, were unseasonable upon this occasion, in which your fœderal politics were so adverse to the opinions of many members. Your friends Page, Corbin, Carrington and White were zealous; but the...
609To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 5 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
On saturday next the election of senators will come on. The running names are yourself, R. H L. & Gr—s—n. Your friends have resolved to nominate you; being well assured, that their labours will not be in vain. It is a mortification to me, that the election shd. be brought on before my seat commences. But Carrington has, I presume, been this day elected, and will be here to morrow. When I say,...
610To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
Until the meeting of the assembly, which took place the day before yesterday, I have had nothing, with which to repay you for your many friendly attentions. An hundred and seven members are assembled; among whom is the leader of the opposition. I have not seen him; but I am told, that he appears to be involved in gloomy mystery. Something is surely meditated against the new constitution, more...
611Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 16 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
Since my late letter to you, inclosing the dispatches, received from Kentucky on the subject of the Scioto lands, we have been requested by one of the superintendants to have a meeting of his associates called for the 15th. of next month. The result of their consultation will probably affect the measures, which we now meditate. It is therefore adviseable, that we should again request you to...
612Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 15 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed so fully speak for themselves, that I need only add the respect with which I am &c. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book, 1786–1788, manuscript in Virginia State Library. ). In a clerk’s hand. Enclosures not found. The enclosures were copies of letters from William Croghan and Richard Anderson, and the report of Thomas Marshall and George Muter concerning the surveys...
613Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 8 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our express returned yesterday from Kentucky; bringing an answer from Colo. Muter and Colo. Marshall, on the subject of the surveys on the Miami. This answer however is not complete. We shall endeavour to make it so, as soon as we receive further information from another of the superintendants, and from the Register of the land-office. This will be accomplished I presume, early enough to go by...
614Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 7 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honour of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 27th ultimo, with its inclosures. We are not at present advised of any measures which may be necessary in addition of our letter to you of the 23d. Ulto. A copy of that letter is herewith inclosed. I have the honor &c. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book, 1786–1788, manuscript in Virginia State Library. ). In...
615Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have some reason to believe, that the resolutions of our legislature on the subject of the Mississippi never reached your hands. The inclosed copy will satisfy you, that they were forwarded. Perhaps the letter was delivered to one of our delegates who were here; The resolutions will be found annexed to the laws of october 1786, of which Congress have had a copy. I have the honor, gentlemen...
616Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 3 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
We have received a letter from the board of treasury, with several inclosures, concerning arrearages of pensions. I do myself the honor of inclosing to you a copy of our act, in consequence thereof. I beg leave at the same time to add, that we have not spoken of carrying the arrearages of militia to any other period, than the time of the wounds which occasioned the disability, being received....
617Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 23 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing to you copies of the Vouchers, on which Dr. Draper obtained a military Certificate from our Auditor, together with his account. We are much obliged to you for referring to the resolution of Congress, which establishes the right of Virginia to a credit for this demand, and for the footing, on which you have placed it with the board of treasury. But we cannot...
618To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
The mail has brought me this evening a resolution concerning the Scioto lands, which was really necessary for the peace of some people’s minds, and will, I hope, be effectual to quiet a general suspicion, which the former act had created. Mr. Bev. Randolph has lately returned from P. Edward; where he saw Mr. H, who grows in violence against the constitution, and is much pleased at the idea of...
619To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 3 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am much obliged to you for your favor of the 25th. ulto. Being in Wmsburg., when I received it, I imparted it to our friend, the president, who espouses with warmth an early convention. I sincerely wish, that the valuable parts of the constitution may suffer no ill from the temper, with which such a body will probably assemble. But is there no danger, that, if the respect, which the large...
620To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 13 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are the first two numbers of the Republican, according to your request. Govr. Clinton’s letter to me for the calling of a convention is this day published by my order. It will give contentment to many, who are now dissatisfied. The problem of a new convention has many difficulties in its solution, But upon the whole, I believe the assembly of Virginia perhaps ought, and probably will...
621Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 11 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
It has been the practice of the executive to grant pensions, to take effect only from Jany 1786. From the resolution of Congress of July 11. 1788, we are induced to think, that arrearages of pensions, as far back as Jany. 1782 at least, and perhaps earlier, may now be granted. This seems to be very just; but we do not choose to go immediately into the allowance of those arrearages, until we...
622Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
We are seriously alarmed at the invasion made by Congress on the lands of the Virginia troops by their resolution of the 17th. Ultimo. The steps, which we have taken upon this Occasion are contained in the inclosed advice. But, lest the troubles, which this Act may create, should be ineffectual in obtaining its repeal; or even in restraining Congress from further incroachments, we beg leave to...
623Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 3 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
A Copy of the inclosed resolution was formerly sent to you. No answer now appearing on our files, we take the liberty of transmitting a second copy, and requesting, that the decision of Congress, if already made may be notified to us, & that if your body has not yet decided, something definitive may be immediately urged: The subject is rendered more pressing by the situation of our accounts...
624Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 2 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
The letter, of which the inclosed is a Copy, was written on the second day of July last to the secretary for foreign affairs. His communication on the subject of Ferrier is dated on the 13th. of June. The Executive entered into a consideration of it immediately upon its receipt and lost no time in preparing and forwarding an Answer. That answer is unquestionably in the office of foreign...
625Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 2 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
One Archibald Carrol, who was yesterday executed for murder, sent for our Acceptance the books, which will accompany this letter. We have been informed by report, that they were obtained by him, while acting as a British Sea officer, and that he perfidiously communicated them to the Americans during the War. We feel a repugnance to deposit them in the Archives of the Executive; the books, if...
626To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have just risen from a violent bilious attack, which has vexed me for nearly a fortnight past. But as I am a victim at present to weakness only, I am indulged in the liberty of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 16th. instant. We hear nothing of the constitution on this side of the river. On the other indeed the discontents are said to be loud; but it does not appear that any of...
627Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 30 June 1788 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing for your consideration intelligence just received from Colo. Joseph Martin, formerly our Indian agent. I have the honor gentlemen to be with great respect Yr. mo. ob. serv. RC and enclosure ( PCC ); FC ( Vi ). FC in a clerk’s hand. RC docketed by a clerk. Martin had been discontinued as Virginia’s Indian agent after Congress appointed a superintendent of...
628To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 17 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 10th. inst. from Orange. Colo. Nicholas in a late letter to me seems to think, that the majority is decidedly for the constitution. Accuracy cannot be expected; but a comparison of the intelligence, which centers here from the various parts of Va., persuades me, that he at least mistakes the degree of the majority, and leads me to suspect, that it lies adverse...
629To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 29 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
The decision of Massts., had it been adverse to the constn, wd. have damned it here. But as it is, it fixes the event, if N. York, N. Hamp. and Maryland should follow the example. This must be understood with this restriction; that altho’ 9 states will force Va. by their assent to come in, there is reason to believe that no intelligence of that sort can reach us before our convention meets; as...
630To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 3 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
By this time the district-bill has passed, in nearly the same form with that of the last year, except that four additional judges are to be created. Mr. Jos: Jones, who is now absent, has thro’ Colo. Monroe signified his wish to be regenerated a judge. He will succeed. It is conjectured that the other three will appear in St. G. Tucker, Grayson, and Prentis. The constitution is not even spoken...
631To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 December 1787 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed pamphlet speaks so fully for itself, that any explanation of it from me would be useless. I send it to you, because I know your friendship for the writer, and because I take pleasure in subscribing myself at all times, with unfeigned truth my dear sir Yr obliged friend & serv. ALS , DLC:GW . The pamphlet contained Randolph’s letter to the speaker of the house of delegates, dated...
632To 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...
In your letter, inclosing the Morocco signals, you desire them to be delivered to American masters of vessels. The council have interpreted this expression to mean masters of American vessels; that is, of vessels belonging to American citizens. They seem justified in this construction, by the Morocco treaty itself. One instance only of granting these signals has occurred; and the captain was...
634Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 24 November 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 November 1787. Acknowledged in Virginia Delegates to Randolph, 11 Dec. 1787 . Requests delegates to obtain the appointment of a separate superintendent of Indian affairs for Virginia and North Carolina. Recommends Major Dromgoole for this position.
635To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 [ca. 29] October 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have omitted to write to you since my return home, from an inability to obtain so accurate a grasp of the Opinions prevailing here, as to justify me in communicating the politics of our legislature. The first raptures in favor of the constitution were excessive. Every town resounded with applause. The conjectures of my reasons for refusing to sign were extraordinary, and so far malicious, as...
636To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 30 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here last night, with as little inconvenience as possible. Betsey has recovered by travelling. Baltimore resounds with friendship for the new constitution, and Mr. Chase’s election depends, as it is said, upon his opinion concerning it. He waited on me, with an expectation, I suspect, of learning something to foster his opposition. I was prepared, because I had heard of his harangue...
637Constitutional Convention. Motion that Representation in the National Legislature Ought to be Proportioned to the Number … (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 30, 1787. The Convention having before it a proposition by Edmund Randolph that “the rights of suffrage in the National Legislature ought to be proportioned to the quotas of contribution, or to the number of free inhabitants, as the one or the other rule may seem best in different cases,” Hamilton “moved to alter the resolution so as to read ‘that the rights of suffrage in...
638To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 4 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Being on the point of my departure for Philadelphia, I have only time to inform your excellency, that the information given you by me in my last letter , concerning the bayonets, which were supposed to remain at Havre appears now to be without foundation. I am Sir with the highest respect yr. mo. ob. serv., RC ( DLC ); endorsed. FC ( Vi , Executive Letter Book). Not recorded in SJL , and...
639To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 3 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John Ammonett, who will deliver this letter into your hands, is a descendant from one of the French refugees, patronized and fixed here by King William. He has persuaded himself, upon seeing some publication or other, that restitution is to be made of all the property, which was abandoned by his ancestor. I know not, what testimonies he possesses of his right to inherit, but presume that...
640Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 14 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to remind you of my letter of the first day of last december. It contained a resolution of our assembly for a meeting between Maryland & Virginia commissioners, to which the concurrence of congress was rendered necessary. The commrs of Virga. wish to know the sense of your honorable body. I have &c with the greatest respect &c FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book,...
641To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 11 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to acknowledge your favor of the 2d inst. The election for Hanover is over; Mr. Parke Goodall being returned, after a positive and unalterable declaration in public of his affection for paper money. His colleague Mr. Thos. Macon is supposed from the influence of his father over him to be an enemy to it. It is doubtful, what part Mr. Henry has taken in communicating his...
642Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 11 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 2d. instant, and thank you for its inclosures. Reductions of salaries are in such high fashion here, that congress have risen in character from the reform. But the resurrection of the prophets would not convince british debtors, that those ought to be clothed with an increased authority, who could enforce the british...
643To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 4 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Genl. Washington is prevailed upon to agree to go to Phila. if his health will permit. He is at present afflicted with the rheumatism, so as to be unable to move himself in his bed sometimes, and often to raise his hand to his head. He purposes to travel earlier than for the meeting, that he may apologize to the Cincinnati for his refusal of their presidency. Mr. Jay’s report on the treaty...
644Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
There is every reason to believe, that Genl. Washington will be present at the convention in May. Indeed he says, that the want of health alone shall prevent him. I trust that the rheumatism, with which he is afflicted severely, will be speedily baffled. The Cherokees have begun to be troublesome in our country; and may become more so, in their expected passage thro’ Russell county, in the...
645Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting a list of the Virginia pensioners, chargeable to the united states. The instances, in which the kind and degree of disability has not been ascertained, have proceeded from a personal examination of them, and the want of an accurate entry in our books. In future a stricter attention will be paid to the subject. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter...
646To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 27th Ulto was handed to me this moment. Solicitous as I am for your aid at Philadelphia, I could not prevail upon myself to wish you to go, unless your health would fully permit. But indeed, my dear sir, every thing travels so fast to confusion, that I trust one grand effort will be made by the friends of the united states. There is a decided prospect of a representation: and...
647To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have turned my mind somewhat to the business of may next: but am hourly interrupted. At present I conceive With these objects, ought not some general propositions to be prepared for feeling the pulse of the convention on the subject at large? Ought not an address to accompany the new constitution? I was informed, that Colo. R. H. Lee attended at Northumberland court house a few days ago at a...
648Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 27 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of enclosing to you a copy of Mr. Martin’s letter our late Indian agent, promised in my former letter. When I wrote the other day; I urged Mr. Fox’s return. It was then supposed, that the business must stagnate in his absence. But a further inspection of the public acts has satisfied us of the contrary. I hope that the opportunity reserved for revision in the inclosed...
649To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 22 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I am afraid by your omission to acknowledge my letters, that all of them, tho’ written punctually to the time, except during my absence to the Naval offices, have miscarried. Genl. Nelson refuses to join us. Colo. R. H. Lee has been appointed in his stead. This seemed proper from the conspicuousness of the Character, and the respect, due to past services. The objection to his unfoederal...
650Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 22 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 22 March 1787 . Mentioned in Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 27 March 1787 . Acknowledged in Virginia Delegates to Randolph, 13 April 1787 . Concerned Indian problems and the settlement of the Northwest Territory (Illinois) accounts.