1To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
While I acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 10th. instant, I must assign as my apology for forgetting to answer the legal question, that a variety of family sickness has taken away a cool attention to business. The deed, to which the inclosed memorandum relates was executed in France. The following extract from a law of the revised code, intituled an act for regulating conveyances,...
2To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 30 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
I thank you sincerely for several letters, which my vagrant life between this place and Richmond upon business has prevented me from acknowledging in due season. The amendments, proposed by you, are much approved by the strong fœderalists here and at the Metropolis; being considered as an anodyne to the discontented. Some others, equally affectionate to the union, but less sanguine, expect to...
3To John Adams from Edmund Randolph, 19 July 1789 (Adams Papers)
Your friendly answer to the letter, which I took the liberty of addressing to you in favor of Col o. Heath, has increased the attachment, which your civility to me in 1775, and your public conduct since, first produced My application in that gentleman’s behalf being founded on a conviction of his worth, I conceived, that it might not be improper to make that worth known to all those, who might...
4To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am told, that within these few days a considerable quantity of Madeira wine has been run into Virginia in the face of day; and that the opinion of the bar is, that neither law nor court exists, which can embrace the case. We shall have a total anarchy in the customs, unless you speedily forward both to us. The impost-bill, we are informed, has been matured into a law. We hear nothing of...
5To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 15th. In my letter of yesterday, I gave you a faithful narrative of my situation. On further reflection I feel the propriety of the communication more strongly. More confidentially therefore do I repose myself on you. Colo. Parker seems to think (but I am persuaded upon grounds, in no respect tenable,) that the president expects applications from...
6To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
Sometime ago Mr Fitzhugh, of Chatham, gave me a list of tickets in Colo. Byrd’s lottery, in which yourself, several other gentlemen, as well as my father or uncle (I forget which) were jointly interested. He promised to procure, if possible, some more authentic grounds for proceeding in the recovery of the prize, and, if I do not mistake, he expected further information from you. I will thank...
7To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 18 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
The day before yesterday I returned hither from Leesburg. There I was confronted with Mr. Henry, and for three days we lay along side of each other, with our best cannon in action. It was a diverting scene, taken in the whole. My client Chas. Carter must have been defeated, if a single point of four had gone against him; and to obtain one, every thing was tried in the way of assertion,...
8To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 13 September 1789 (Madison Papers)
I returned home three or four days ago, under the vexatious operation of a quartan. I have been correcting it by medicine and hope in a day or two to subdue it. I shall immediately upon recovering my ability to do business with propriety, enter upon and complete the statement of my introductory ideas in Phila. Yrs. afftely. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM.
9To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 26 September 1789 (Madison Papers)
As soon as I had recovered my attention to business, I entered upon the chastisement of my notes. But I found it impossible to retrace the subject, so as to square with the resolutions proposed, without the possession of those resolutions. But I have them not, except in a mutilated state. Indeed I have an apprehension, that were I to dilate the notes, I should mingle inadvertently much of what...
10To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 10 October 1789 (Madison Papers)
I am this moment labouring under a violent relapse into the ague and fever, which I supposed to be past; and should not [have] incurred the uneasiness of writing, but to convince you, that the arrangements, made in the higher and subordinate branches of the judiciary department, are sanctified in my judgment by the strictest propriety; and, so far as I am concerned, contain what is probably...
11To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 22 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
Immediately upon the receipt of your private communication of my appointment, I wrote to you with a head, very much disordered by a fever. As soon as I recovered, I should have written to you again, had I not heard of your tour to the East. By this time I presume you have returned, & therefore beg leave to inform you, that I shall leave Virginia on the 15th of January for New-York. The reason,...
12To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
Since my last, written about five days ago, the committee of the whole house have been engaged in the amendments from congress. Mr Henry’s motion, introduced about three weeks past, for postponing the consideration of them, was negatived by a great majority. The first ten were easily agreed to. The eleventh and twelfth were rejected 64 against 58. I confess, that I see no propriety in adopting...
13To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 6 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
When I had the honor of writing to you last, the amendments had, I believe, been under consideration in a committee of the whole, and ten were adopted, and the two last rejected. Upon the report being made to the house, and without a debate of any consequence, the whole twelve were ratified. They are now with the senate, who were yesterday employed about them. That body will attempt to...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 10 December 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall make a statement of my account with Mr. Mazzei, as soon as I return home; and will forward it to you. The encyclopedie I think a bargain, and shall retain it with pleasure. When we meet in N. York, I will pay you the price; stated in your late favor. I thank you for the map; and shall send the other maps, with two catgut battledores, to Mr. Donald. The senate have disagreed to the 3d....
15To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 11 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
The senate rejected the third, eighth, eleventh and twelfth amendments. The delegates disagreed to that rejection; and yesterday was spent in a conference between the two houses. I am informed, that the senate are determined to receive the 1st 2d 4th 5th 6th 7th 9th and 10th amendments only. This will probably oblige the delegates to give the rest up for the present. But the responsibility for...
16To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 15 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your friendly favor of the 30th Ultimo is this moment delivered to me. My three last letters since the 8th of October have, I hope, been received, and will satisfy you of my having determined to proceed to New York about the 15th of next month. You may be assured, that Mr Wythe neither wished nor expected to be the successor of Mr Pendleton. I will candidly tell you the reason, upon which this...
17To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 23 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
I returned from the assembly the day before yesterday. Since my last nothing material has occurred in either house; except that the bill is passed, authorizing restitution to be made of Abingdon to Mr Alexander, if you shall approve. I found a fortunate moment for a conversation with Mr Wythe. He repeated what I wrote to you in answer to your favor of the 30th Ulto. Indeed he declared himself...
18To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 5 February 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 5 Feb. 1790. GW mentions in his 13 Feb. 1790 letter to Randolph “your letter to me of the 5th inst.”
19To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 February 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 10 Feb. 1790. In a letter to Randolph of 10 Feb. 1790 GW refers to Randolph’s letter “of this date.” He again mentions “your letter of yesterday” when writing to Randolph on 11 February.
20To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 February 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 13 Feb. 1790. In a letter to Randolph of 13 Feb. 1790 , GW states “I have received your letter of this morning.”
21To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 2 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
We arrived last night after much fatigue to ourselves and horses. Indeed I have not been free from a fever since Wednesday last. From the small opporty., which I had, to ascertain the opinion of Phila. on the subject of your motion, I am inclined to believe, that if the holders of securities, the merchants and others, associated with them, or dependent on them, were excluded, the suffrage...
22To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 6 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
In George Town and Alexa. your discrimination has, as it is said, few advocates. Dr. Stuart was my author concerning the opinions of the latter, Mr. Brook Beall concerning those of the former. But I collected afterward, from Mr. Laurence Washington, that Colo. Geo. Mason was strenuously in favor of your motion; and indeed what I recollect of his observations in convention coincides with this...
23To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 10 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
After a fatiguing journey we arrived here on sunday evening, when I found all my family well, except my wife, who, I fear, is incumbered with a dead fœtus of more than seven months old. I am endeavouring to ward off by medical aid the consequences of this event. She is now in good spirits, and therefore I trust, that the mischief will not be fatal. Yesterday I saw Colo. Innes. He informs us,...
24To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 15 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
When I came home, I found my family in a really deplorable condition. Not to mention my children, most of whom were sick, the situation of my wife was very alarming. She gave every symptom of a painful and dangerous abortion being at hand. It is now a fortnight since she was first confined to her room, and every appearance grows more and more critical. It is almost certain, that the fœtus, now...
25To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 18 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
The governor has reason to expect the death of Colo. Grayson in a short time; and therefore requested Mr. Wm. Nelson to know from me, what you wished, in a case of a vacancy in the senate. I have just written to him, expressing your decided negative. I was diverted yesterday by Mr. John Pierce of James City (the delegate) asking whether you had not become a methodist . After I had recovered...
26To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
My dear wife is not better, than when I wrote to you last. I expect something determinate in a few days. Inclosed is a copy of my motion. Had it been intended to bring forward a convention immediately, the thing was imprudently worded; because it contains many unpopular points. But as subjects of reflection for the people, they could not, I thought, be too pointed. I give you a duplicate, that...
27To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 April 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have been looking most anxiously for the second communication, which you promised me, as soon as you should have had an interview with the President. Many times have I endeavoured to break in an easy way to my wife the necessity of my return to N. Y; in order to try her spirits, should I go off. As often has she been thrown into an agitation of real agony. Prepared as I am, I would have...
28To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 20 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your last favor. It relieved me much. But an event of yesterday has given me a full view of my arrangements. Very unexpectedly a diminished fœtus appeared; manifesting, that it had lost every energy of life for more than four months. The gloom of our house is converted into general satisfaction, at the escape of our friend from the most critical danger. I have this moment...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 10 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I have examined the papers which you did me the honor of submitting to me yesterday, on the subject of the Georgia confiscations. But in the present mutilation of the necessary documents, it is impossible for me to form a satisfactory opinion. The act of May 1782 is not among the enclosures of Sir John Temple, but is the groundwork of the proceeding complained of. The last act appears in part...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 11 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
I beg leave to answer a question which you propounded to me some time ago. Several quarter Masters and other public officers, some with salaries, others with Commissions, have received public Money to disburse for public use. Of this money they were robbed, notwithstanding reasonable care on their part. Are they entitled to an allowance for the sums lost; or must their relief depend on...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 12 August 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to your Official letter of the 19th. of February last I beg leave to observe: that the supplies and services therein mentioned as having been furnished and rendered by individuals for the use of the Public, were undoubtedly from the nature of Contracts, originally debits against the United States: that the Officers who granted the Certificates, debentures or other acknowledgments for...
32To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 12 August 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 12 Aug. 1790. In a letter to Randolph of 12 Aug. 1790 GW referred to “your letter of this date.”
33To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, [13 August 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed letter is from Charlton. If you approve it, let the sum be settled in what I owe you for the Encyclopedia; and I will send a receipt. Will the president be obliged to publish a proclamation in consequence of the Indian treaty? He desired me to inquire into this matter from you, as he wishes me to draw it, if to be issued. I am glad to hear, that you have shaken off your late...
34To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 August 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 24 Aug. 1790. In a letter to Randolph, 26 Aug. 1790 , GW refers to Randolph’s letter “of the 24th inst.”
35To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 9 September 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 9 Sept. 1790. GW’s 22 Sept. 1790 letter to Randolph mentions having received the attorney general’s “letters of the 9th and 10th instant” (see Shubael Swain to GW, 3 Sept. 1790, n.5 ).
36To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 September 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 10 Sept. 1790. GW wrote to the attorney general on 22 Sept. 1790 and mentioned receiving Randolph’s “letters of the 9th and 10th instant” (see Shubael Swain to GW, 3 Sept. 1790, n.5 ).
37To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 September 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 26 Sept. 1790. In his 3 Oct. 1790 letter to Randolph , GW referred to the attorney general’s “letter of the 26 ultimo.” Randolph’s letter from Philadelphia informed the president of the capture of one of the Pine Creek Indian murderers (see GW to Timothy Pickering, 4 Sept. 1790 [first letter], source note , and to Randolph, 3 Oct. 1790 ).
38Edmund Randolph to Tobias Lear, 6 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I wished to have said a word to you in private; but being prevented this morning, I must beg your excuse for hinting a subject, which it may not be amiss to inquire into. President Mifflin stopped me to-day, to inform me, that the Coachman of the President of the U.S. was very insolent in the use of his whip among the people yesterday at the church door. He added, that it was near being...
39To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of informing you, that the plan for opening a contract with the woollen manufacturer, appears, as far as I am able to judge, to be proper in itself, and likely to be approved by the legislature of Virginia. But I must confess, that I have paid more attention to the propriety of the President, undertaking a correspondence with the British Artist. I am told and believe,...
40To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, [February 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
The Attorney General of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions propounded to him by the Secretary of the Treasury, as follows: ☞ 1st. To the statement in the letter of February, 12th: 1791. It does not appear whether the deceased Administrix be interested personally in the estate of her deceased husband. If she were so, although the whole legal right vested in...
41To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
I had arranged a course of animadversions to be transmitted to you, on the expediency of the Bank-bill—but after the recollection of the two conversations, which I have had the honor of holding with you on this subject, I am uncertain whether its expediency constitutes a part of your enquiry from me. If it should be your pleasure, that I should enter into this branch of the question, I can...
42Enclosure: Opinion on the Constitutionality of the Bank, 12 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Attorney General of the United States in obedience to the order of the President of the United States, has had under consideration the Bill, entitled ‘An Act to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States,” and reports on it, in point of Constitutionality as follows: It must be acknowledged, that, if any part of the bill does either encounter the Constitution, or is not...
43Enclosure: Additional Considerations on the Bank Bill, 12 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
No.2 Feby 12th 1791. The attorney general, holding it to be his duty to address to the President of the United States, as the grounds of an official opinion, no arguments, the truth of which he does not acknowledge; has reserved for this paper several topic’s, which have more or less influenced the friends & enemies of the bank-bill; and which ought therefore to be communicated to the...
44To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson and Edmund Randolph, 14 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The opinion is, 1. that the attorney for the district of Kentucky do forthwith take the most effectual measures for prosecuting according to law O’Fallon; and that he be informed, that unless the testimony within his reach will clearly subject him to the charge of treason, the prosecution be for a riot. 2. that a proclamation issue, reciting the treaties, law and further proclamation on this...
45Opinion of Attorney General on the Case of James O’Fallon, 14 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The opinion is, The measures fit to be taken by way of precaution to the commandant of Fort Washington, are not here noticed. PrC ( DLC ); in handwriting of Edmund Randolph, except for date and some overwriting of blurred words which are in TJ’s hand. Recorded in SJPL . James O’Fallon, an Irish adventurer who acted as general agent of the South Carolina Yazoo Company in Kentucky, entered into...
46To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, [27 February?] 1791 (Madison Papers)
What I now write, is not designed to impose any task on your friendship; because public duty forbids private favor. But I wish you to say to me, what I ought to do. The ardor of some men for the bank renders the hope of the land-law abortive: and this hope, which has for sometime past presented to me a prospect of emolument to myself, has alone restrained me from doing something on the subject...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In answering your communication of the 10th. of december last, I cannot do better, than acknowledge my conviction from the reasoning of Mr. Dayton. That reasoning being in your possession, I beg leave to refer to it, as the groundwork of my opinion, that military rights to land ought to be received on account of his that is Judge Symmes’s contract in the manner, contended for by him. I have...
48To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
Having been engaged in court from the time of my leaving you yesterday, for the greater part of the day, I had not an opportunity of conversing with Mr Lewis, until the evening. He has committed to paper the result of his mind, in consequence of my interview with him, and I do myself the honor of inclosing it to you. I was indirectly informed that Judge Yeates would not be induced, upon any...
49To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 21 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ I have not put you to the expence of postage by inquiries after your health, I have not omitted to avail myself of information thro’ Mr. Jefferson. I learn with sincere satisfaction, that you have emerged from your late attack; but I wish, that you would prevent a return in the fall by an abstinence from study. I need not relate to you, that since the standard of republicanism has been...
50To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 23 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
In preparing the letter, which I had the honor of addressing to you on the 20th instant, respecting the controversy between the governors of Pennsylvania and Virginia, I kept in view the propriety of saying something of a reference to congress, and of ascertaining the time, when you would probably choose to interpose in such disputes. Presuming, that you would not wish to confirm more of the...