To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 11 February 1795
From Edmund Randolph
Department of State February 11. 1795.
Sir
I have had a very full conversation with Colo. Humphreys, at some part of which Mr Wolcott was present. I submit, sir, to your consideration, whether something like the inclosed is not proper for the public ear. I shall mature a report to you upon this subject, by to morrow, if Mr Wolcott shall be able to determine by that time, how the money is to be raised.1 It is probable, that Colo. Humphries will go from hence in two or three days; and in the mean time, he will not dine out in company in general.2 I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.
⟨Edm. Randolph⟩3
AL[S], DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB, DNA: RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State.
1. The enclosure and subsequent report (if any) have not been identified. Randolph and Treasury Secretary Oliver Wolcott, Jr., had conferred with David Humphreys about negotiations with the Barbary States. On 12 Feb., Humphreys submitted a list of items to be purchased as presents for the negotiations with Morocco (see Humphreys to Randolph, 6 and 9 March, DNA: RG 59, Despatches from U.S. Ministers to Spain, vol. 3).
2. On this date GW’s secretary Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., wrote Massachusetts representative David Cobb: “Colo Humphreys takes a family dinner with the President today at three ‘oClock. The President directs B.D. to ask whether Genl Cobb will let him have the pleasure of his company also. An[s]wer if you please” (MHi: David Cobb Papers). Cobb accepted the invitation, for he noted in his diary for 11 Feb.: “Din’d with Colonel Humphries at the Presidents” (, 1:492).
3. The signature, which has been cut from this letter, is supplied from the LB.