31From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 23 April 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The words written by JM in the official cipher are italicized in the present copy. Although the letter is incomplete, the missing portion apparently contained only a few concluding words and JM’s signature. I am at length assured of your safe arrival at your destination by your favor of the 11 continued on the 13th. The little necessity I understand there was for...
32From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 8 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover addressed by him to “E. Randolph Esqr.” Carried to Richmond by “a private hand” ( Delegates to Harrison, 10 Apr. ; JM to Randolph, 15 Apr. 1783 ). Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison jr. April 8th. 1783.” Your favor of the 29th. ult: was duly recd. yesterday. Your apprehensions from the article in favor of British Creditors, correspond...
33From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned letter in JM’s hand. The cover is missing. Docketed by Randolph with his own name only. The italicized words are those written by JM in the official cipher. Late in his life JM or someone by his direction bracketed the first and third paragraphs of this letter, thus designating them for inclusion in the first edition of his papers ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin...
34From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The fragment of cover is stamped “ free ” and addressed in JM’s hand to “Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison.” Upon recovering the letter many years later, JM added “July. 21. 1783” to the docket. This will serve merely to prevent a chasm in my correspondence, having nothing whatever of consequence to make a subject of it. We hear nothing from...
35From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 18 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison.” Below this appears “March 18, 1783,” probably in the hand of Randolph’s clerk. In his old age JM added after his name on the docket, “X in part,” without further specifying what part of the letter he designated for later publication. In the earliest comprehensive edition of his writings, the first and last...
36From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 7 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by “J Madison, Jr.” and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “Fm J. Madison Jan: 7 1783.” At the top of the page of the letter, above the date, JM wrote “Randolph, Edm.” Unless otherwise noted, the italicized words are those written by JM in the Randolph code, for which see Papers of Madison...
37Account with Edmund Randolph, [ca. 1 May] 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). At the top of this undated, torn, and water-stained scrap of paper, Randolph wrote “Madison to Randolph E.” On the reverse of the sheet, “J. Madison” appears twice in Randolph’s hand and also a “32.” What this numeral connotes is unknown. Being sharp in outline, the “3” can hardly be a vestige of an “8” which, in combination with the “2,” might have represented the...
38From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 22 January 1782—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 22 January 1782[3]. The manuscript of this document is now missing. A printed copy is in Madison, Papers (Gilpin ed.) Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 111–12. Many years after writing the letter, JM selected at least a portion of it for inclusion in the earliest edition of his papers. Either JM misdated the letter a year too...
39From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). JM wrote on the cover only his own signature and “Edmund Randolph.” On the cover in another hand appears also “Favd. by Mr. Sitgreaves” ( Delegates to Harrison, 10 Apr. 1783, n. 1 ). Randolph docketed the cover of the present letter, “J. Madison. April 10, 1783,” and wrote “J. Madison” in the left margin of the text. The important contents of the inclosed paper were...
40From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 September 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned letter in JM’s hand. Cover missing. Randolph docketed the letter, “Sepr. 24. 1782.” Although the text is on folio 12 in LC : Madison Papers, III, the quotations enclosed with the letter are on folio 24a in Volume II. Number 24b of that volume comprises two other folios on which, for his own files, JM drafted and largely encoded the fourth paragraph of the...
41From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 18 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing and the letter is not docketed. I recd. no letter from you yesterday nor shall I receive any for that week unless it be through the channel of Rivington’s Gazette, the Post having been robbed of his mail on Saturday eving last in Maryland. I hope your letter did not contain anything not in Cypher which is unfit for the public eye. The policy...
42From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 26 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Novr. 26. 1782.” Except where otherwise noted, the italicized words are those enciphered by JM in the official code. The Governor in his letter to the Delegates of the 8th. of the prest. month, after observing that the great scarcity of cash in Virga. will put it out of her power to comply with the demands...
43From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 25 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). In JM’s hand but lacks signature, cover, and docket. The contents of the letter and the handwriting of the interlineated decoding permit no doubt that Randolph was the recipient. Words italicized in the text are those enciphered by JM in Randolph’s code. For this code, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of...
44From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 23 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The letter lacks a complimentary close and signature. Words italicized in the next to last paragraph of the letter were written by JM in the Lovell cipher. The cover is franked by “J. Madison Jr.” and addressed by him to “The honble Edmund Randolph Esqr Richmond.” For a time the cover was used as a wrapper for a number of letters, because it is docketed by Randolph,...
45From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, [20] May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed by Randolph, “Js. Madison, Jr. May 1783.” Many years later, after the letter was returned to JM, he wrote below the date line, “Randolph, Edm.” In another hand “[20?]” was inserted between “May” and “1783.” Apparently the same person wrote “96 Vol. I” at the top of the right margin of the first page of the letter. The reference...
46From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison June 24. 1783.” Cover missing. I cannot break in upon my punctuality so far as to omit acknowledging your favor by yesterday’s post, though I can scarce do more than refer you to the official letter to the Govr. and mine to Mr. Jones, which you will see, whether he be absent or present, having addressed it to you on the first...
47From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison June 10. 1783.” Apparently when he penned the letter, rather than when he recovered it many years later, JM wrote “Edmd. Randolph Esqr.” at the bottom of the first of three folios. Cover missing. Yesterday’s mail brought me two letters from you one of the 15 Ulto. inclosing the intervening sheet of the...
48From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 8 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison Octob: 8, 1782.” Letter unsigned and cover missing. Probably many years afterward, when the letter was returned to JM, he added to the docket, “contains Lovell’s cypher. E Randolph Esqr.” Late in his life JM or someone at his direction bracketed the text to indicate that all but the final sentence of the postscript should be included...
49From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 11 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison Feby. 11 1783.” I am particularly indebted to you for your favor of the 1st. inst. which you were obliged to forward through so many obstacles. Your idea of going into the legislative councils gives me peculiar satisfaction, & I anxiously wish the arrangements on which it depends may not miscarry. Indeed...
50From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 28 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Excerpt ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 130–34). The manuscript has not been found. Only the last two paragraphs of the text, probably in cipher in the original, are printed here, because the rest of the letter is identical with the one which JM wrote to Joseph Jones on the same date, except for the personal...
51From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The honble Edmund Randolph Esqr Richmond.” Cover also franked and signed, “J Madison Jr.” Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison. Decr. 24. 1782.” In the last three paragraphs the italicized words or abbreviations are those encoded by JM in the official cipher. Since my last the Danae a French frigate has arrived from France with money for the French army and...
52From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 5–6 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “Js. Madison Aug 5–6. 1782 contains Lovell’s cypher.” Words italicized in the first paragraph were written in James Lovell’s cipher, those following “Augst. 6th.” in the official cipher. For the use of these codes, see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (5 vols. to date;...
53From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 12 August 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, “J. Madison Aug: 12, 1783.” The arrival of yesterday’s mail has not enabled me to acknowledge the rect. of a favor. perhaps the post office may be again in fault. Our late belief of the arrival of the Defin: Treaty at N. York...
54From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 29 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed, “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed, “J. Madison Jr. May 29. 1782.” The inclosed letter was put into my hands several weeks ago. As I found by looking into it that it related to a subject decided on in the case of Col. Carrington, and which wd. be communicated by him to Majr. Pierce, I thought it unnecessary to transmit it by the Post. This is the...
55From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 12 November 1782 (first) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Addressed to “The honble Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Franked, “J Madison Jr.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Nov: 12. 1782.” On the cover, in Randolph’s hand, are also two parallel columns of small numbers. The left column is headed “Betsy” (Mrs. Edmund Randolph) and the other, “E. R.” Probably they were opponents in a household game for which Randolph kept...
56From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 27 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr” and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Jr. May. 27 1783.” A letter recd. yesterday from Mr. F. Webb, inclosing bills in my favor for £200 Virga. Curny. informed me of the successful effort of your friendship for my relief. Mr. Ambler informed me that your attempt was for £100 more, but was...
57From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 11 September, 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). On the cover JM wrote, “J. Madison Jr Sepr. 11. 1782” and “The Honbl Edmund Randolph Esqr. Virginia Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison Sepr. 11. 1782.” Randolph used one flap of the cover to make notes about the evidence presented at the trial of “the Man who is charged with the Murder of Capt. Knott.” See McIlwaine, Official Letters H. R. McIlwaine,...
58From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 8 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by him and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison July 8. 1783.” Yours of the 28. of June like the preceding one found me at this place, where my preparations for leaving Congs. will keep me much of the remainder of my time. The footing on which the Impost is placed by the Assembly is...
59From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 May 1781—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 1 May 1781 [ 2 ]. Three of the earlier editions of the papers of JM printed portions of his letter, allegedly written on 1 May 1781, to Edmund Randolph, attorney general of Virginia and delegate from that state in Congress beginning on 14 June 1781 ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 90–93; Madison,...
60From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 22 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
Printed text ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 111–12). The manuscript of the letter, which is missing, probably was lost between 1840 and 1865, the dates of publication of the Gilpin and Congressional editions, respectively. JM inadvertently dated the letter “1782” rather than 1783. The error was his rather than...
61From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 July 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “July 30. 1782.” Cover missing. The italicized words are those written by JM in the Lovell cipher. I was not mistaken in my intimation that an attack would be made on the last commission and instructions relative to peace [.] on Wednesday last the motion was made by M—r Lee and seconded by
62From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 9 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr.” and addressed by him to “The honble Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond by Express.” Docketed by Randolph, “1782, Aug. 9.” Extract of a letter from Carlton & Digby to Gen Washington. Augt. 2. “We are acquainted Sir by Authority, that negociations for a general peace have already commenced at Paris & that Mr. Grenville is invested with...
63From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by “J Madison Jr” and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Aug: 24. 1783.” Beneath this docket is written in an unknown hand, “Letters of the honble J Madison (of Congress),” probably signifying that at one time the cover was at the top of a packet of JM’s letters. Mr. Jones who arrived the beginning of the...
64From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 13 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Feb: 13. 1783.” The italicized words are those enciphered by JM in the Randolph code. I heartily congratulate you on the dawn of peace presented in the inclosed paper. Apprehending that the commercial sagacity of this & intervening places, may sieze the crisis to speculate on the Staple of Virga., we have judged it prudent to...
65From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 19 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by “J Madison Jr.” and addressed by him to “The honble Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison Novr. 19 1782.” I find by your favor of the 8th. that your occupation with the Courts has continued to be a bar to the completion of the Cypher. It is very little missed however on my part as yet, the...
66From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 12 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed by JM, “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond. By Express.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison March 12. 1783.” For the “Express,” see Delegates to Harrison, 12 Mar. 1783, n. 24 . Capt. Barney commanding the American packet boat which has been long expected with official intelligences from our Ministers in Europe arrived here this morning. He brings a supply...
67From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, [16]–17 September 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned letter in JM’s hand. Cover missing but letter docketed by Randolph, “17 Sept. 82.” The date line originally read “Philada. Sepr. 1782.” Many years later JM inserted “[17]” between the month and the year. In view of his “Sepr. 17.” at the beginning of the seventh paragraph, this insert almost certainly should have been [16]. The italicized words are those...
68From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 11 June 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed, “J. Madison, Phil: 11. June 1782.” Words written by JM in the official cipher are italicized. I have your favor of the 1st. instant. I hope you received mine altho you do not acknowledge them. My punctuality has not been intermitted more than once or twice since your departure, and in no instance for a considerable time past. I have written so fully...
69From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 December 1782 (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.” Randolph docketed the cover, “Decr. 30. 1782. J Madison.” Except for “May” in the fourth paragraph, the words italicized are those written by JM in the Randolph code. See Randolph to JM, 22 November 1782 , and n. 1. Your favor of the 13th. instant...
70From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 17 June 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.” Cover docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. June 17. 1783.” Your favor of the 4th., the second from Williamsburg, was rcd. yesterday. I have recd. nothing from Mr. Hay during your absence from Richmond, but the omission has been supplied by Mr. Ambler...
71From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 29 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover missing. Letter docketed by Randolph, “James Madison. (of Congress). April: 29. 1783.” Yesterday’s post was the third that has arrived successively without a line from you. The Definitive Treaty it is said is to be remitted to the two Imperial Courts for their approbation, before the last hand will be put to it. This will be mere...
72From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 13 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). JM addressed the cover, “The honble Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” The docket, in Randolph’s hand, reads “J. Madison Jr April 13. 1782.” Except where otherwise noted, words italicized in the letter were written by JM in the official cipher. Subsequent to his recovery of the letter in 1821, JM lined through “April 13” with ink and beneath it wrote “August 13.”...
73From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 December 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). In JM’s hand but lacks complimentary close and signature. Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr” and addressed by him to “The Honble Edmund Randolph Esqr Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “The Honble J. Madison Decr. 10. 1782.” Words italicized are those written by JM in the official cipher. The Assembly of Penna. have with much difficulty been prevailed on to desist from a...
74From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Lacks complimentary close and signature but in JM’s hand. Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison April 1. 1783.” Your favor of the 22. Ulto. verifies my fears that some disappointment would defeat your plan of going into the Legislature. I regret it the more as every day teaches me more & more the necessity of such measures as I know you would have...
75From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 28 January 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned, and cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “Mr. Madison. 28th. Jan: 83.” To this docket is added in an unknown hand, “in part JO.” For a possible explanation of this phrase, see n. 3. Notwithstanding the precariousness of the passage over the Susquehanna your favor of the 15th. inst. was duly recd. yesterday. I will mention to Mr. J. your apology for the...
76Proposals to Furnish Delegates Copies of Papers to Be Debated, [ca. 28 December] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 23, fol. 79). Docketed: “Report of Comee. on Motion of Mr. Middleton Decr. 28. 1781 Mr. Middleton Mr. Clymer Mr. Clark for furnishing the members of Congress with printed Reports before debated.” The first of the proposals shown below is in Edmund Randolph’s hand, the second in JM’s. Resolved, that the secretary upon application to him made for that purpose furnish a copy...
77From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 13 May 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Randolph’s surname is written in an unknown hand at the bottom of the letter’s second page. Internal evidence permits no doubt that he was the addressee. By Mr. Lee who set out yesterday afternoon I sent you a pamphlet collecting into one view all the acts & documents relative to the National debt &c which Congress have prepared for the Legislatures....
78From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 29 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). At the bottom of the first page of this two-page letter, JM wrote “E. Randolph Esqr.” The cover is missing. Words and parts of words encoded by JM in the official cipher have been italicized. Late in his life JM or someone at his bidding placed a bracket at the beginning of the second paragraph and another bracket at the close of the sixth paragraph to designate the...
79From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The cover is missing, and the name of the addressee is not shown in the letter. Docketed in Randolph’s hand, “J Madison May 21. 1782.” JM’s autograph list of letters from “JM. to E. Randolph” ( Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (4 vols. to date; Chicago, 1962——). , III, 100–101 , editorial note)...
80From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 3 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after recovering this letter, JM wrote “Randolph” below the text. I thank you cordially for the narrative of legislative proceedings contained in your favor of the 24th ulto In return for the Journal of the House of Delegates I inclose herewith a copy of the proceedings of Congs. since Novr. last. There is a chasm in the Journal you...