1From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 February 1784 (Washington Papers)
A short time before I came home I received a power of Attorney from the Earl of Tankerville, & his Brother, the Honorable Mr Bennett; authorising Colo. Hooe, (miscalled Howe,)yourself & me, to dispose of property belonging to the latter in this State. Letters, from Lord Tankerville & the Countess his Mother, to me, accompanied the Power, expressive of their wishes that I would accept the...
2From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 18 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have seen the form of the answer which you have drawn in Savages suit, and approve of it; presuming the references are founded on facts. Mr Fairfax was to have compared these, & will prepare a fair copy. I will remind him of the matter, & have it sent to you as soon as I can. The case of the depending petitions, in the General Court, is as follows. The Land was obtained under a Proclamation...
3From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
At my return from Philada I met your favor of the 15th ulto—& since, have received that of the 28th. The rough draft of the conveyance from Colo. Bassett to me, appearing to be just in recital, &, I presume, legal in form; I return it with a wish that the business may be finally accomplished as soon as circumstances will permit. With respect to the Suit of Doctr Savage, you will be so good as...
4From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me your favor of the 3d—& the Post preceeding, that of the 27th ulto. My particular thanks are due for the attention you have paid to the renewal of my Patents— Your Fees on this, & the other business you have had the management of for me, I would gladly pay, if you will please to let me know the amount. Whether it is to Mr Mercer (who by order of Court, has the property...
5From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 19 March 1785 (Washington Papers)
Some considerable time ago I wrote a letter to my Nephew, Bushrod Washington, and used the freedom of addressing it to your care—At that time I conceived he was living at richmond, but the establishment of circuit Courts it seems has changed his plan: he now intends to fix at Fredericksburg. Will you allow me the liberty my dear sir, to request the favor of you to open my letter to him, if it...
6From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 23 July 1785 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 23 July. On 29 July Randolph wrote GW : “Your favor of the 23d instant came duly to hand.”
7From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 30 July 1785 (Washington Papers)
Altho’ it is not my intention to derive any pecuniary advantage from the generous vote of the Assembly of this State, consequent of its gratuitous gift of fifty shares in each of the navigations of the rivers Potomac and James; yet, as I consider these undertakings as of vast political & commercial importance to the States on the Atlantic, especially to those nearest the centre of the Union, &...
8From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 13 August 1785 (Washington Papers)
At the time your letter from the Rocks was delivered to me, I had neither pen, ink, paper, or a table to write on at command; consequently could only verbally acknowledge the receipt of it, which I did by Mr Wormley: since my return home I have met your other favor of the 29th Ulto. The great object, for the accomplishment of which I wish to see the inland navigation of the Rivers Potomac &...
9From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 16 September 1785 (Washington Papers)
It was not in my power to obtain the enclosed in time, to forward them by the last Mail; but they will, I hope, reach you seasonably for your intended meeting on the 26th—by the present mail. I feel very sensibly, the honor and confidence which has been reposed in me by the James river Company; & regret that it will not be in my power to discharge the duties of the office of President of the...
10From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 5 November 1785 (Washington Papers)
Pursuant to the request of your last letter (dated about the middle of Septr) I had an attested copy of the proceedings of the Potomac Company—& those of the Directors, taken from their Books and sent it to you by Post, in time for the Meeting which was proposed to be held by the Directors of the James river navigation on the 26th of that month in Richmond; and requested, if it should be...
11From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 July 1786 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th is this instant come to hand. Elizabeth & Sarah, daughters of Michl Cresap, live I presume in Hampshire, to the Sheriff of which I will direct the summons; tho’ it is at a hazard—having no other knowledge of the matter, than that their mother married one Jacobs of that county. Luther Martin lives in Maryland, and is I believe Attorney General of that State—What is to be...
12From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 October 1786 (Washington Papers)
By Doctr Stuart I return the books you were so obliging as to allow me the reading of: by him also I send you the Travels of the Marqs de Chastellux, for your perusal. I felt for your disappointment the day you left this, & hope no accidents intervened afterwards to give further interruption to your journey. Unknowing of the quantity of rain which had fallen in the course of the night, I was...
13From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 19 November 1786 (Washington Papers)
It gave me great pleasure to hear that the voice of the Country had been directed to you as chief magistrate of this Commonwealth, & that you had accepted the appointment. Our affairs seem to be drawing to an awful crisis: it is necessary therefore that the abilities of every man should be drawn into action in a public line, to rescue them if possible from impending ruin. As no one seems more...
14From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
The Gentleman who does me the honor of delivering this letter to you is Mr Anstey. He is introduced to me in a very favorable point of view by our old acquaintance & friend Colol Fairfax of Bath, & by Mr Jay of New York. Mr Anstey being on a tour to Charleston, & purposeing to take richmond in the route, I use the liberty of introducing him to your civilities—and to assure you of the great...
15From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 21 December 1786 (Washington Papers)
I had not the honor of receiving your Excellency’s favor of the 6th, with its enclosures, till last night. Sensible as I am of the honor conferred on me by the General Assembly, in appointing me one of the Deputies to a Convention proposed to be held in the City of Philadelphia in May next, for the purpose of revising the Fœderal Constitution; and desirous as I am on all occasions, of...
16From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 28 March 1787 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 11th did not come to my hand till the 24th; and since then, till now, I have been too much indisposed to acknowledge the receipt of it. To what cause to ascribe the detention of the [letter] I know not, as I never omit sending once, and oftener twice a week to the Post Office—In Alexandria. It was the decided intention of the letter I had the honor of writing to your...
17From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 9 April 1787 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your favor of the 2d I have to request that you will not be at the trouble of forwarding any money to me from the treasury. If I should attend the Service, it will suit me as well to receive it from you in Philadelphia as at this place. If I should not, I have no business with it at all. It gives me pleasure to find by your letter that there will be so full a representation from...
18From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 8 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
The letter which you did me the honor of writing to me on the 27th Ulto, with the enclosure, came duly to hand. I receive them as a fresh instance of your friendship and attention. For both I thank you. The diversity of Sentiments upon the important matter which has been submitted to the People, was as much expected as it is regretted, by me. The various passions and medium by which men are...
Your Excellency’s ^ Letter ^ was delivered ^ to ^ me this morning. The interpretation of the Council appears to me to be right. I however regret that there was room for doubt; for in my opinion the command of American Vessels should be confined to American Citizens. I have the honor to be with great Respect & c . LbkC , DNA: Domestic Letters Domestic Letters of the Department of State,...
20From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 8 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). In JM’s hand but lacks complimentary close and signature. Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr,” and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Sep. 8. 1783.” Mr. Jones & myself having come down to this City the end of the past week for the purpose of negociating some pecuniary matters, I am here to date my acknowledgment of your...
21From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 13 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned. Cover franked by JM and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. Sep: 13. 1783.” Our Ministers in Europe have made some amends for their long silence by voluminous despatches brought down to 27th. July. They were recd. yesterday by Congress. No definitive treaty had then been signed by any of the parties, though all...
22From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 20 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after recovering the letter, JM docketed it, “Sep: 20. 1783 JM.” I have nothing to add to my last on the subject of foreign affairs, further than that the Court of France has fixed on L’Orient as a free port for the U. S. The Virga. Cession underwent a decision of Congs. a day or two after my last. The form which they have given it...
23From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. Sep: 30, 1783.” Your favor introducing Mr. Corbin and that by the last weeks post have both been recd. The former did not get to Princeton before Mr. C. had left it, nor did I get to this place before He was so near leaving it that I had no opportunity of manifesting my respect for your recommendations...
24From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 13 October 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by JM and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison October 13. 1783.” I returned here yesterday in order to be with Mr. Jones before his departure and make some little arrangements with him of a private nature. The past week has been spent by Congress in deliberating on 1. their permanent seat, 2. their temporary...
25From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 March 1784 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 27th. Jany. was safely delivered to me about a fourtnight ago, and was recd. with the greater pleasure, as it promises a continuance of your friendly attention. I am sorry that my situation enables me to stipulate no other return than sincere & thankful acknowledgments. On my arrival here which happened early in Decr. I entered as soon as the necessary attentions to my...
26From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 March 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 12 Ulto. came safe to hand through the conveyance of Capt. Barber together with the several articles inclosed. The letter from Mr. Jefferson speaks of the state of things on the 11th. of Novr. on the other side of the Atlantic as follows. “The lamp of war is kindled here not to be extinguished but by torrents of blood. The firing of the Dutch on an Imperial vessel going down...
27From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 26 July 1785 (Madison Papers)
Your favour of the 17th. inst: inclosing a letter from Mr. Jones and a copy of the ecclesiastical Journal, came safe to hand. If I do not dislike the contents of the latter, it is because they furnish as I conceive fresh and forcible arguments against the Genl. Assessment. It may be of little consequence what tribunal is to judge of Clerical misdemesnors or how firmly the incumbent may be...
28From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, ca. 14 February 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 14 February 1786. Mentioned in JM to Jefferson, 18 March 1786 , where JM noted the arrival of a letter written by the Attorney General “dated prior to his receipt of mine.” Apparently JM wrote Randolph some time in the middle of February concerning Jefferson’s plea that work on the state capitol should be suspended until his set of plans could be completed and sent to...
29Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
We have the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 21st. Jany., & beg leave to assure you of our entire concurrence in your proposition of a weekly correspondence. With respect to the expences of the late expedition agt. the Indians, we shall act according to circumstances though from present appearances we have very little hopes of getting them placed to the account of the...
30From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Having but recently got here I had not time to add a few private lines as I wished to our public letter. We have as yet no definitive information from Masts. touching the operations of Genl. Lincoln. Little doubt however is entertained that the insurrection will be effectually quelled. The Legislature of that State seem to have taken great spirits from the prospect. They have come at length to...
31From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 18 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your letter for Mr. Jefferson arrived a few hours too late for the packet and must wait for some other conveyance. I have some reason to expect one in ten or fifteen days. Congress have received no late intelligence either from him or Mr. Adams. Nor have any interesting measures yet taken place since they have been assembled in force. Those in expectation relate to 1. The Mississpi. On this...
32Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 19 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of has been duly received, though we are sorry to inform you, the packett had sailed a few hours before, so that we could not by that opportunity forward the inclosures. We have applied to Genl. Knox respecting the arms; but he has declined reporting to Congress even in favor of a sale: so that we have giv’n up all thoughts of procuring them from the Confederacy: the Genl. has...
33From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 25 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary’s despatch will have communicated to you the Resolution of Congress giving their sanction to the proposed Meeting in May next. At the date of my last a great division of opinion prevailed on the subject; it being supposed by some of the States that the interposition of Congress was necessary to give regularity to the proceeding, and by others that a neutrality on their part was a...
34Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 26 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
We are sorry to inform you, that we have inquired at the board of treasury respecting the indents of interest necessary for the State under the requisition of the last year, & that the Commrs. have informed us that from the uncertainty of the productiveness of the funds appropriated by the legislature as a compliance, they were doubtful whether they could with propriety issue them at all, but...
35Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 5 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
We have the honor of inclosing a copy of M. Van Berkel’s note to Congress respecting an act of the legislature of the State of Virginia, which he has represented to be contrary to the Treaty of amity & commerce between the United Netherlands & the United States of America. This note is referred to the Secy. for foreign affairs to report witht. their having yet giv’n any opinion on the subject....
36From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 11 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
The Governor of this State is just returned from his trip to the upper parts of it. He found every thing quiet in the place to which suspicions & reports carried him. He says also as I am told that Lincoln has restored a calm in that part of Massts. which borders on N. Y. as he had before done in the other disaffected parts. Notwithstanding these favorable accounts there is reason to apprehend...
37From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 19 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 1st. instant for which I make you my acknowledgments. The public letter which goes by this mail with the papers inclosed contain all the current information. I have made enquiry as to the copies of the Treaties with Europe & the Indian Nations, which you wish to be forwarded, and am told that you will find all of them on the printed Journals of Congress,...
38Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 19 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your Excellency’s two favors of the 1st. and 4th. of March, with the papers referred to have been duly received. Of the latter a discretionary use will be made as you are pleased to recommend. A copy of the Note from Mr. Vanberkle complaining of Certain late acts of Virginia has been already transmitted. I now add the Report of the Secretary for Foreign Affairs on the subject, which has not...
39From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 25 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have had the pleasure of your two favors of the 1 and 7. instant. The refusal of Mr. Henry to join in the task of revising the Confederation is ominous; and the more so I fear if he means to be governed by the event which you conjecture. There seems to be little hope at present of being able to quash the proceedings relative to the affair which is so obnoxious to him; tho’ on the other hand...
40Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 25 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Since my last the Delegation has received your Excellency’s two favors of the 16th. ult. and the 8th. inst. The anonymous paper inclosed in the former certainly merits serious attention, and will be communicated to Congress. The Report of Mr. Jay on the Note of Mr. Van Berkel has not yet received a decision. The subject of it involves several nice questions which require an accurate attention...
41From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 2 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 15th. inst. All of preceding date have been already acknowledged. The information which you wished to go to Mr. Guardoqui has been communicated. The real impression made by it cannot easily be seen thro’ the political veil. If he views the state of Western affairs in the true light, his representations to Spain, must convince her that she has no option but between...
42Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 2 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellencies favor of the 15th. Ult. to the Delegation. Any additional information which may be acquired upon the subject of Mr. Van Berkels Memorial will be punctually transmitted. I lament exceedingly the Situation into which our Trade is thrown under the late Laws. It will occasion a deminution of the Revenue which we are in no...
43From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 8 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your two favors of the 22d & 27th. of March have been received since my last. In a former one you ask what Tribunal is to take cognizance of Clarke’s offence? If our own laws will not reach it, I see no possibility of punishing it. But will it not come within the Act of the last Session concerning treasons and other offences committed without the Commonwealth. I have had no opportunity yet of...
44Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 12 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your Excellencies favor of the 4th. Instant this moment came to hand. The post is just going out, and therefore I have not time to say more, in addition to this acknowledgement, than that Congress yesterday appointed Mr. John Pierce, late Paymaster General, to succeed Mr. Fox who has resigned, and he will set out immediately to Virginia. I shall do myself the Honor to write you more fully...
45Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 13 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
A misapprehension as to the tour of correspondence with your Excellency, which I understood to be weekly, instead of monthly, occasioned me to neglect writing last Monday, and I must beg the favor of you to pardon me for the neglect. I now do myself the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 22d. Ult. The Act of the Executive upon the subject of the Illinois Accounts, was laid...
46From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of Apl. 4. has been recd since my last. The probability of Genl. Washington’s coming to Philada. is in one point of view flattering. Would it not however be well for him to postpone his actual attendance untill some judgment can be formed of the result of the meeting. It ought not to be wished by any of his friends that he should participate in any abortive undertaking. It may occur...
47Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 16 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your Excellencies favor of the 4th Inst. enclosing a list of Pensioners came to hand this morning together with the talk to the Cherokee Indians alluded in that which I had the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a few days past. We shall do ourselves the honor to lay before Congress all the intelligence you have been pleased to transmit respecting the Cherokee Indians, as the best excuse for...
48From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 22 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have the pleasure of your’s of the 11 inst. acknowledging mine of the 2d. In some of your letters I observe you do not say whether any have been recd. from me or not. I have not omitted to write in a single instance since our correspondence commenced. The time approaches so nearly now when I shall have an opportunity of asking verbal communications on confidential points that I forbear to...
49Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 30 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
The delegation have received your Excellencys letr. of the 14th. Nothing yet has been done relative to the meeting of the commissioners deputed by the states of Maryland and Virginia, nor will this business be brought forward untill Congress assemble in more strength. The enclosed resolution will shew the sense entertained by the united states relative to the unauthorized possession of Post...
50From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, ca. 28 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 28 September 1787. Mentioned in JM to Randolph, 7 Oct. 1787 . Relates proceedings of Congress on the report of the Federal Convention.