11To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 17 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 10th. inst. from Orange. Colo. Nicholas in a late letter to me seems to think, that the majority is decidedly for the constitution. Accuracy cannot be expected; but a comparison of the intelligence, which centers here from the various parts of Va., persuades me, that he at least mistakes the degree of the majority, and leads me to suspect, that it lies adverse...
12To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 29 February 1788 (Madison Papers)
The decision of Massts., had it been adverse to the constn, wd. have damned it here. But as it is, it fixes the event, if N. York, N. Hamp. and Maryland should follow the example. This must be understood with this restriction; that altho’ 9 states will force Va. by their assent to come in, there is reason to believe that no intelligence of that sort can reach us before our convention meets; as...
13To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 3 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
By this time the district-bill has passed, in nearly the same form with that of the last year, except that four additional judges are to be created. Mr. Jos: Jones, who is now absent, has thro’ Colo. Monroe signified his wish to be regenerated a judge. He will succeed. It is conjectured that the other three will appear in St. G. Tucker, Grayson, and Prentis. The constitution is not even spoken...
14To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 December 1787 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ many mails have passed since I wrote to you last, I am not without excuses of a satisfactory nature; which are too long and unimportant to you to hear in detail. Having shaken off the impediments to writing, I shall be hereafter punctual. My letter is now inclosed to you. What the general opinion is, I would not undertake to vouch because I stay much at home, and I find daily reason to...
15To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 [ca. 29] October 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have omitted to write to you since my return home, from an inability to obtain so accurate a grasp of the Opinions prevailing here, as to justify me in communicating the politics of our legislature. The first raptures in favor of the constitution were excessive. Every town resounded with applause. The conjectures of my reasons for refusing to sign were extraordinary, and so far malicious, as...
16To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 30 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
We arrived here last night, with as little inconvenience as possible. Betsey has recovered by travelling. Baltimore resounds with friendship for the new constitution, and Mr. Chase’s election depends, as it is said, upon his opinion concerning it. He waited on me, with an expectation, I suspect, of learning something to foster his opposition. I was prepared, because I had heard of his harangue...
17To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 11 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure to acknowledge your favor of the 2d inst. The election for Hanover is over; Mr. Parke Goodall being returned, after a positive and unalterable declaration in public of his affection for paper money. His colleague Mr. Thos. Macon is supposed from the influence of his father over him to be an enemy to it. It is doubtful, what part Mr. Henry has taken in communicating his...
18To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 4 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Genl. Washington is prevailed upon to agree to go to Phila. if his health will permit. He is at present afflicted with the rheumatism, so as to be unable to move himself in his bed sometimes, and often to raise his hand to his head. He purposes to travel earlier than for the meeting, that he may apologize to the Cincinnati for his refusal of their presidency. Mr. Jay’s report on the treaty...
19To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have turned my mind somewhat to the business of may next: but am hourly interrupted. At present I conceive With these objects, ought not some general propositions to be prepared for feeling the pulse of the convention on the subject at large? Ought not an address to accompany the new constitution? I was informed, that Colo. R. H. Lee attended at Northumberland court house a few days ago at a...
20To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 22 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I am afraid by your omission to acknowledge my letters, that all of them, tho’ written punctually to the time, except during my absence to the Naval offices, have miscarried. Genl. Nelson refuses to join us. Colo. R. H. Lee has been appointed in his stead. This seemed proper from the conspicuousness of the Character, and the respect, due to past services. The objection to his unfoederal...