James Madison Papers
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From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 20 September 1783

To Edmund Randolph

RC (LC: Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after recovering the letter, JM docketed it, “Sep: 20. 1783 JM.”

Princeton. Sepr. 20. 1783.

Dear Sir

I have nothing to add to my last on the subject of foreign affairs, further than that the Court of France has fixed on L’Orient as a free port for the U. S.1 The Virga. Cession underwent a decision of Congs. a day or two after my last. The form which they have given it may be seen in the hands of the Executive. I sincerely hope it may meet the Ultimatum of Virga.2 The circumstances which produced brevity in my last as strongly recommend it at present.3

Adieu,

J. M Jr.

2Delegates to Harrison, 20 Sept., and n. 4; JM to Jefferson, 20 Sept. 1783, and n. 3. Many years later JM or someone at his bidding placed a bracket at the close of the sentence to indicate that all the letter except its last sentence should be included in the first comprehensive edition of his papers (Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] description begins Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). description ends , I, 574).

3Here again, as so often in his letters with a Princeton date line, JM referred to his cramped quarters in that village.

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