To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 21 November 1797
From Edmund Randolph
Richmond November 21. 1797
Dear Sir
While I supposed, that every thing was completed by Mr. Morris relative to Mr. Short’s money, for which he (Mr. M.) gave me his note for stock in 1794, I have been deceived. Immediately I obtained from Mr. Lyons and Mr: Pendleton, who hold six per cent stock the inclosed assumpsit for £2,000 within thirty pounds; which you will find satisfactory; as it is certain. I am the absolute owner of the inclosed decree, not as administrator only, but in my own right. ’Till this moment I thought I had the decree of the 19th. of March 1795; but I must send it by the next mail. The papers sent shew, that judgment was obtained in 1767 by one Johnston against Royle on a bill of Speaker Robinson’s, on which Royle was an indorser for £788.5.7. Sterling with interest ’till paid. Royle paid it, and Robinson’s administrators endeavoured to postpone it to debts of the first dignity. A bill was filed against them to give it its true dignity, and, as a second resource, the scire facias was prepared, as is now [seen] by the inclosed; but it was never used; as Mr. Wythe decided and the administrators acquiesced in the decision; namely for the above Sum at 25 per cent and twenty years interest thus:
£ 788. 5. 7. | twenty1 | |
years interest on which | 788. 5. 7 | |
£1576.11. 2 | Sterling | |
25 per cent | 394. 2. 9 | |
£1970.13.11 |
I have arranged the balance in an equally sure way, and equally agreeable to Mr. Short; being for stock. You shall hear from me again the beginning of next week. I am dear sir yr. obliged friend
Edm: Randolph
RC (DLC: Short Papers); with emendations, the most important of which is noted below; endorsed by TJ as received 13 Dec. 1797 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosures not found.
1. Word overwritten by Randolph, probably in place of “sterling.”