To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 8 August 1785
From Edmund Randolph
The rocks August 8. 1785.
Dear sir
Being so near you, as I understand myself to be, I should certainly have endeavoured to pay my respects to you today in person, were it not for the fatigue, which I have lately undergone in travelling hither.1
A business, similar to that, in which you are now engaged, will oblige me to return to Richmond by the 20th instant. The subscribers to the opening of James river are then to meet. I was desired by several of them to learn, if possible, whether you would have any objection to be our president. It is not expected, that you should undertake any troublesome part; but we wish to be considered, as having your particular patronage.2
I hope that before this you are well prepared against your adversaries at Fort Pitt. If I can do anything farther on my return, I beg you to command me.3 I am Dear sir with the sincerest regard yr obliged friend & serv:
Edmd Randolph
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The Rocks was a hunting lodge built on the Shenandoah River at the mouth of Long Marsh Run. On 8 Aug. GW and his party were at Harpers Ferry at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Ralph Wormeley, Sr., Randolph’s host at The Rocks, was among the “Many Gentlemen of the Neighbourhood” who visited GW on this day (, 4:179).
2. For GW’s election to the presidency of the James River Company and his reaction, see Randolph to GW, 2 Sept., n.2.