1[From Alexander Hamilton to William Bradford, Timothy Pickering, Edmund Randolph, and Oliver Wolcott, Junior], [28 July … (Hamilton Papers)
Hamilton, History John C. Hamilton, Life of Alexander Hamilton, a History of the Republic of the United States of America (Boston, 1879). , VI, 243. John Church Hamilton states that H wrote to members of George Washington’s cabinet on this date. No further evidence of this correspondence, however, has been found.
Your Excellency’s ^ Letter ^ was delivered ^ to ^ me this morning. The interpretation of the Council appears to me to be right. I however regret that there was room for doubt; for in my opinion the command of American Vessels should be confined to American Citizens. I have the honor to be with great Respect & c . LbkC , DNA: Domestic Letters Domestic Letters of the Department of State,...
3George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to...
4Thomas Jefferson to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [24 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Th. Jefferson submits to the Secretaries of the treasury & War & the Atty Genl. some sketches of Notes to be signed for the President. As they are done from memory only, they will be pleased to insert whatever more their memories suggest as material. Particularly, the final conclusion as to the express-vessel will be to be inserted, which is most accurately know to the Secy. of the Treasury....
5George Washington to Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Randolph, 14 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 14, 1794. “Consider, attentively, the Memorial of Walter Stewart, David H. Conyngham, Joseph Gilpin and J Grubb (with the papers accompanying it, in behalf of themselves & others) and report to me your opinions thereupon.” ALS , RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters, 1790–1799, National Archives; LC , RG 59, State Department Correspondence, 1791–1796, National Archives. On April 24,...
6George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [10 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish to set off for Mount Vernon on Monday next. With some inconvenience to myself, it might be delayed until Wednesday; beyond which the purposes of my journey would, in a great measure, be defeated by further delay. I therefore desire that everything which requires my attention in your Department previous to my absence, may be laid before me with as much promptitude as the case will...
7George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 24 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States requests the attendance of the at Nine o’Clock tomorrow morning ; at the President’s house, on the subject of the note sent to the on the 17~. inst: and that the will bring with him such remarks as he may have committed to writing in pursuance of said note. At the same time the President will lay before the Heads of the Departments & the Attorney General some...
8George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, March 21st [–22] 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To The Secretary of State—The Secretary of the Treasury—The Secretary of War and The Attorney General of the United States. Gentlemen, The Treaty which is agreed to be held on or about the first of June next at the Lower Sandusky of Lake Erie, being of great moment to the interests and peace of this Country; and likely to be attended with difficulties arising from circumstances (not unknown to...
9George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [3 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Fresh occurrences, but communicated thro’ private channels, make it indispensable that the general principles which have already been the subject of discussion should be fixed, & made known for the government of all concerned, as soon as it can be done with propriety. To fix rules on substantial ground, conformably to treaties & the Laws of nations, is extremely desireable. The verdict of the...
10George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [16 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Tomorrow I shall commence my journey for Virginia. My absence from the seat of Government will be as short as I can make it, to answer the purposes of my going. In the interim, occurrences may happen, out of the common routine which might suffer by delay. Where this is the case, & the matter is of importance, advise with the other Secretaries, & the Attorney General, and carry any unanimous...
11George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [29 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
It will not be amiss, I conceive, at the meeting you are about to have to day, to consider the expediency of directing the Customhouse Officers to be attentive to the arming or equipping Vessels, either for offensive or defensive war, in the several ports to which they belong; and make report thereof to the Governor or some other proper Officer. Unless this, or some other effectual mode is...
12From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, with Randolph’s Reply, 12 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be so good as to tell me what answer to give to the interrogatory in the last sentence of this letter? [ Reply by Randolph: ] I do not see any absolute, or indeed probably necessity for the ancient treaties. But I am not certain, that it may not be satisfactory to have those, made with the state governments; since some of the commissioners are new in this kind of business; and might...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, with a Memorandum by Jefferson, 9 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
As your excellency and the council probably have not access to Vattel, on whose doctrines this hasty answer is founded, I shall inclose the paragraph from his work, which treats of the right of soldiery to booty. They seem to amount to this: that booty does in strictness belong to the commonwealth; but that late usage has divided it among the captors, military stores excepted. Now I believe,...
14George Wythe to Thomas Jefferson and Edmund Randolph, 17 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The citizens of Richmond wish you, or one of you, if the other be absent, to present to the president their address which is inclosed with This. I am your friend RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Thomas Jefferson secretary of state and Edmund Randolph, attorney general, Philadelphia.” Enclosure: Inhabitants of Richmond and vicinity to George Washington, Richmond, 17 Aug. 1793, expressing approval of...
15From Christopher Calvert, with a Note by Jefferson to the Attorney General, 25 February–21 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
South Quay, 25 Feb. 1781 . “Agreeable to the within information,” Calvert has seized the trunk and has found no letters in it, but rather a quantity of “valuable dry Goods”; wishes to know what is to be done with them. By law the Naval Office is open from ten to three; this prevents Calvert from attending muster; and, on account of his feet, he believes himself entitled to exemption from...
16From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, with Jefferson’s Note, [23 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter of Genet’s of July 9. and the draught of an answer to it, which is approved by the other gentlemen but we wish your sentiments on it, and as soon as possible as it is pressing.—The other of June 22. is only under deliberation, and sent to you for your information and consideration against we meet again. [ Note by TJ: ] July 23. 93. E.R. returned this note and the two...
17From John Jay to Edmund Randolph, 2 August 1794 (Jay Papers)
I had the Honor of writing to you on the 31 ult: That Letter was sent to Falmouth in Hopes it would reach Doct r . Edwards before he sailed from Hence for Boston. He went from here on Tuesday last. I enclose a copy— That Letter mentioned my having presented an official Representation to Lord Grenville on the Subject of Spoliations &c a . to which his Lordship had given me Reason to expect an...
18From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 2 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Commission for the Postmaster General, is signed and returned. The other for the Marshall of the District of North Carolina is also signed & forwarded by Post. Tomorrow I commence my journey for the Seat of the Governmt. ADfS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Randolph had sent these commissions for GW’s signature in...
19From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, July 9, 1794. On July 12, 1794, Randolph acknowledged Hamilton’s “letter of the 9th. instant.” Letter not found. ]
20From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 28 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a letter from the Minister of France with sundry papers which accompanied it respecting the unlawful proceedings of a Capt. Hickman of the schooner Dolphin, in bringing away from Martinique sundry slaves the property of persons residing there, and making sale of them in the U.S. and to ask the favor of you to advise what may be proper for punishing all offenders...
21From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 16 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers will give you the latest intelligence from Poughkepsie. It seems by no means certain what the result there will be. Some of the most sanguine calculate on a ratification. The best informed apprehend some clog that will amount to a condition. The question is made peculiarly interesting in this place, by its connexion with the question relative to the place to be recommended...
22From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 25 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned letter in JM’s hand. The cover is missing. Randolph wrote his own name in the lower left-hand margin of the first page of the manuscript. Probably many years later JM or someone at his bidding placed a bracket at the beginning of the first paragraph and another bracket at the close of the fifth paragraph to designate that portion of the letter for...
23[From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 5 March 1784] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Annapolis, 5 Mch. 1784 . Entry in SJL reads: “[Mar.] 5. E. Rand. Hancock’s case—journal of 82. I will send but 83. not printed—information by Barney from Dr. F. Dec. 25. that Ad[ams] was gone to Hague, Jay to Bath, Laur. setting out for Amer.—Engld. not reconciled—Marq. Fayette’s letter of Dec. 26. Fox and N. out by maneuvre of king—Pitt and Temple to come in—parliament to be called—Marq....
24From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 22 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure of your’s of the 11 inst. acknowledging mine of the 2d. In some of your letters I observe you do not say whether any have been recd. from me or not. I have not omitted to write in a single instance since our correspondence commenced. The time approaches so nearly now when I shall have an opportunity of asking verbal communications on confidential points that I forbear to...
25From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favd. with yours of the 30 Ult. and thank you for your remarks on the Judiciary bill. I am glad to find you concurring in the decision as to the power of removal. It seems to meet with general approbation North of Virga. and there too as far as I yet learn. Mr. Pendleton is fully in opinion with you. So is Monroe I am told . The more the question is weighed the more proper I think...
26From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 9 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of submitting to your consideration sundry letters which have passed between Governor Martin, Governor Blount and myself relative to intrusions on the lands of the U.S. in the South-Western territory, and of asking your advice Whether any and what proceedings should be instituted for asserting the rights of the U.S. against the intruders? I have the honor to be with great...
27From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed, “Edmd Randolph Esqr. per Express. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “Jas. Madison jr. Congress. private March. 24. 1783.” The express by whom I send this conveys to the Governor the welcome event of a general peace. The preliminary articles were signed on the 20th. of Jany. The day to which hostilities are limited is omitted in the abstract of the...
28From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 30 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Letters to the Minister of the French republic, appears proper. The propriety of laying those from him, before Congress, I will converse with you upon tomorrow morning at Eight o clock. By whom is the request made for a Passport for a Vessel belonging to Mr Jno. Brown to go to St Domingo? I have no objection to the measure if such cases are within the contemplation of the Resolution laying...
29From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 15 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
For the reasons mentioned to you the other day—viz.—the Virginia Assembly being in Session—and a plan being on foot for establishing a Seminary of learning upon an extensive scale in the Federal city —it would oblige me if you and Mr Madison would endeavor to mature the measures which will be proper for me to pursue in order to bring my designs into view, as soon as you can make it convenient...
30From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 2 January 1795 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you copies of two letters one from me to The Collector of Charlestown of September 4th & another from the comptroller to the same Officer of October 6th, on the subject of a construction which has been given in that port to the rules of the President & the Act of Congress of last session concerning the equipping of armed Vessels. I fear much mischief has ensued from this construction...
31From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison Novr. 10. 1782.” Only a portion of the cover is extant. On it, in JM’s hand, appears “The honble Edmun Fav’d. by Col: Bassett.” For “Col: Bassett,” see JM to Randolph, 12 November 1782, n. 1 . I put under this cover the Newspaper of saturday last, and a poetical production of N. England which has much applause bestowed on it. We...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 20 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor to inclose for your consideration Sundry papers relative to certain Certificates of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, originally issued in lieu of Continental Certificates and lately offered to be subscribed to the Loan in state debt continued by an Act of the 8th. of March 1792, entitled “An Act Supplementary to the Act making provision for the debt of the United States.” The...
33From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 18 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Minister Plenipotentiary of France has inclosed to me the copy of a letter of the 16th. inst. which he addressed to you, stating that some libellous publications had been made against him by Mr. Jay, chief Justice of the US. and Mr. King one of the Senators for the state of New York, and desiring that they might be prosecuted. This letter has been laid before the President, according to...
34From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. April 15th. 1783.” My letter by a private hand who left this place a few days ago together with late public letters will have fully apprized you of the decisive events which have taken place in favor of peace. The paper inclosed will amuse you with the bickerings in the British parliament on that subject. Genl....
35From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 18 August 1799 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved only two days ago your favor of the 12th . and as it was on the eve of the return of our post, it was not possible to make so prompt a dispatch of the answer. Of all the doctrines which have ever been broached by the federal government, the novel one of the common law being in force & cognisable as an existing law in their courts, is to me the most formidable. all their other...
36From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 29 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your private letters of the 24th & 25th instant have been received, and you will learn by the official letter of this date, my determination of returning to Philadelphia after Monday, if nothing in the interem casts up, to render it unnecessary. I am excited to this resolution by the violent, and extraordinary proceedings which have, and are about taking place, in the Northern parts of the...
37From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 5 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Aug: 5. 1783.” Your favor of the 18th. ult. which my last did not acknowledge was in the mail & was shortly after recd. Your succeeding one of the 25th. inclosing the pamphlet came to hand yesterday. The Gazette which I inclose will give you a sight of the Philada. Address to Congress and their answer. Since I left...
38From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 5 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Having determined to retire from my office before the term of paiment of the inclosed bill and so informed the President, it is indispensable for me to wind up all my money concerns as fast as I can, in which operation I am actually engaged. This circumstance renders it impossible for me to enter into any new engagement here, my first object now being to see myself cleared out, and neither...
39From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 27 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 27, 1794. On July 1, 1794, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “In answer to the letter which you did me honor of writing to me on the 27th ultimo.” Letter not found. ]
40From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 12, 1791. In a letter dated February, 1791, Randolph referred to Hamilton’s “letter of February, 12th: 1791.” Letter not found. ]
41From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 2 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed to: “The honble Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond Favd. by Mr. Nathan.” See n. 10, below. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison jr. Philad: Decr. 2. 1782.” The italicized words are those which JM encoded in the official cipher. The Secy. of F. Affairs communicated to me a few days ago his determination speedily to resign his office He asked me in the course...
42From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 3 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “[J]. Madison jr. Decr. 3. 1782.” Except where noted, words or parts of words italicized are those encoded by JM in the official cipher. Applications from the States of N. Hamshire & Massachusetts concerning the old paper of which they hold a surplus have called the attention of Congress once more to...
43From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, [1–12 December 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Remarks on Lord Grenvilles project of a Commercial Treaty made at the request of E Randolph Esquire Secty of States A Inasmuch as the light house duties, which are excepted , constitute an additional charge on Vessels of the UStates beyond those of G. Britain in British Ports, this article, which puts British vessels in our ports exactly upon the same footing with ours wants reciprocity....
44Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 4 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
We have the Honor to acknowledge the Rect. of your Excellencies letter of the 23d. Ult. inclosing Copies of the Account & Vouchers founding the settlement of the State of Virginia with Doctor Draper for his depretiation, and leaving it in our descretion, whether to prosecute him for the indemnification of the State, or to take any steps towards establishing the Validity of the transaction...
45From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 2 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 15th. inst. All of preceding date have been already acknowledged. The information which you wished to go to Mr. Guardoqui has been communicated. The real impression made by it cannot easily be seen thro’ the political veil. If he views the state of Western affairs in the true light, his representations to Spain, must convince her that she has no option but between...
46From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 3 September 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). In JM’s hand. Cover missing. Letter is unsigned. Docketed by Randolph, “Sepr. 3. 1782.” He evidently showed the letter to the Reverend James Madison, who wrote above the docket, “Septr. 22. 1782 JMadison,” possibly the date when the clergyman received the letter. Apparently upon recovering the letter, Randolph crossed out the “22” and wrote “3” above it. The...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 14 January 1798 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 7th. inst. came to hand yesterday. those of Nov. 15. 21. & 28. had been recieved in due time. that of the 21st. covered the assumpsit of Messrs. Pendleton and Lyons to pay the amount of the decree of Royle’s admrs v. Robinson’s admrs, to the use of mr Short. I should sooner have acknoleged these but that in that of the 21st. you mentioned that you had arranged the balance...
48From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 4 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr.” and addressed by him to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison March 4, 1783.” The italicized words are those written by JM in the Randolph code, for which see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols....
49From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 12 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Van Berckel, the resident for the United Netherlands with this government, having, as you will perceive by the copies of his letters inclosed, complained of an infraction of the law of nations by an officer of this state, entering his house and therein serving a process, I take the liberty of putting into your hands the inclosed copies with a desire that you will proceed in such due course...
50From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 26 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry for the cause of your detention in Philadelphia, of which your letter of the 24 inst. informed me. But as I expect to leave this place on monday next for Virginia, it would not be in your power to arrive here, by that time, after the rect of this. There will therefore be no necessity for your leaving Mrs Randolph in her present situation to meet me in New York. I am Sir...