From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 25 June 1794
To Edmund Randolph
(Private)
Dear SirMount Vernon June 25th 1794.
Monday’s Post brought me your letter of the 18th instant, with its enclosures.1
The Minister of his Britanic Majesty seems more disposed to be captious than conciliatory. Whether it proceeds from his ideas of policy—the advice of his councellers—or a natural petulance of temper, remains to be developed.
The enclosed letter from a Mr Reuben Harvey, is similar to one I recd from him some time ago, and which I either gave, or intended to give, to you. Do, as shall appear to you right with them.2
I shall endeavor to be back by the time I allotted before I left Philadelphia, if I am able—but an exertion, to save my horse and self from falling among rocks at the lower Falls of the Potomac (whither I went on Sunday morning to see the Canal & Locks) has wrenched my back in such a manner as to prevent my riding—and, hitherto, has defeated the purposes for which I came home. My stay here will only be until I can ride with ease & safety, whether I accomplish my own business or not. I am sincerely and Affectionately Yrs
Go: Washington
ADfS, DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.
1. The preceding Monday was 23 June. No letter from Randolph to GW of 18 June has been found. GW probably was referring to Randolph’s letter of 20 June, which enclosed documents including a letter from British minister George Hammond to Randolph of 18 June.
2. GW enclosed Harvey’s letter to him of 17 April about seizures of American vessels at Kinsale, Ireland. Harvey’s earlier letter to GW of 3 March was, according to the docket, referred to Randolph on 22 May (see also , 304).