551Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on the Grange, 14 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The attorney general of the U.S. has the honor of submitting to the secretary of state his opinion concerning the seizure of the ship Grange. The essential facts are, that the river Delaware takes its rise within the limits of the U.S: that in the whole of its descent to the Atlantic ocean, it is covered on each side by the territory of the U.S: that from tide water to the distance of about...
552To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 26 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The 14th. article of our treaty with France has shut out all general reasoning from the law of nations, on the memorial of Benjamin Holland and Peter Mackie. The flour and meal were actually shipped after the declaration of war, made by France on the 1st. of february 1793. If the inquiry was to depend on their knowledge of the declaration, their relief would be very doubtful at least. But as...
553Memorandum from Edmund Randolph, [ca. 28–30 May 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Minutes of reasons, which operated with E. R. in advising the expulsion of the Genet privateer. 1. That it is the prerogative of every nation to prohibit acts of sovereignty to be done within its limits by another nation, except where treaties otherwise provide, or those acts relate to the privileges of ministers. 2. That it is the peculiar prerogative of every neutral nation, to prohibit such...
554Cabinet Opinion on the Creek Indians and Georgia, 29 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States having assembled the heads of the respective departments and the attorney General, laid before them for their advice thereon, sundry communications from the Governor of Georgia, and others, relatively to the recent alarming depredations of the creek Indians upon the State of Georgia. Whereupon after the subject was maturely considered and discussed it was...
555Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on the Case of Gideon Henfield, 30 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Attorney general of the United States has the honor of submitting to the Secretary of State the following Opinion on the Case of Gideon Henfield, as represented by the Minister of France . 1. It may well be doubted, how far the Minister of France has a right to interfere. Henfield is a citizen of the United States; and it is unusual at least, that a foreign Power should interfere in a...
556To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, with Jefferson’s Note, 30 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The return of Warder’s bills under protest has embarrassed me so much, as to make me request the favor of your name to the inclosed. You shall hear no more of it. [ Note by TJ: ] In consequence of the above I endorsed E.R’s note for 1000 D. payable at 60. days sight. RC ( MHi ); with TJ’s note subjoined; addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 30 May 1793. Enclosure not found.
557To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, with Jefferson’s Note, 31 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The requisition of departure is, in my judgment, expressed in the most accurate and satisfactory manner possible. It gives me real pleasure to find the strong measure capable of such a softening of feature, while it retains full nerve. Were I to speak for myself, as an individual, I should assent with equal cordiality to the last clause. But I can’t help believing, that it would accord better...
558Cabinet Opinions on Sending an Agent to the Choctaw Indians, 1 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That an Agent be sent to the Choctaw nation to endeavour secretly to engage them to support the Chickasaws in their present war with the Creeks, giving them for that purpose arms and ammunition sufficient: and that it be kept in view that if we settle our differences amicably with the Creeks, we at the same time mediate effectually the peace of the Chickasaws and Choctaws, so as to rescue the...
559To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, [ca. 24 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. J. rightly supposed, that the approbation of E.R. was by mistake written upon the answer to the letter of the 22d. of June , instead of that of July . The latter is the only one, which attracted my particular attention; as the other seemed to be a subject of future deliberation. The propriety of the addition intended to accommodate Genl. K. depends upon the measures to be pursued in regard...
560To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 25 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
We have been at cross purposes about the inclosed letter of July 24. 1793. in answer to Mr. Genets of the 9th. I am much mistaken, if my note intimated a doubt of its propriety. I certainly always approved it. My remarks as to delay were applicable to the answer to the inflammatory memorial ; to which General Knox suggested an addition. Is that some word omitted in the first sentence of the...
561Cabinet Opinion on Prizes and Privateers, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
That the Minister of the French Republic be informed that the President considers the UStates as bound pursuant to positive assurances, given in conformity to the laws of neutrality, to effectuate the restoration of, or to make compensation for, prizes which shall have been made of any of the parties at war with France subsequent to the fifth day of June last by privateers fitted out of their...
562Rules on Neutrality, 3 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
1. The original arming and equipping of vessels in the ports of the United States by any of the belligerent parties, for military service offensive or defensive, is deemed unlawful. 2. Equipments of merchant vessels by either of the belligerent parties in the ports of the United States, purely for the accommodation of them as such, is deemed lawful. 3. Equipments in the ports of the United...
563To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 4 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I can never believe, that the impeachment of Mr. G. should be drawn from any other sources, than his written and verbal communications with you. That he is the president of a particular society; that his secretary may have written inflammatory queries , &c may be reasons, privately operating to the demand of his recal, I shall not absolutely deny; because foreign ministers may give causes of...
564To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, [ca. 13 August 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
A Man has 3500 £ P.C. to pay in instalments of 500£ each beginning 1. Oct: 1795, and continuing for six years without interest. What sum in hand is equal? RC ( DLC : TJ Papers, 93: 16019); unsigned, undated, and unaddressed note written on a small scrap; date conjectured from endorsement inadvertently inscribed by TJ on his reply. P.C. : Pennsylvania currency.
565Cabinet Opinions on Edmond Charles Genet, 23 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At meetings of the heads of departments and the Attorney General at the President’s on the 1st. and 2d. of Aug. 1793. On a review of the whole of Mr. Genet’s correspondence and conduct, it was unanimously agreed that a letter should be written to the Minister of the US. at Paris, stating the same to him, resuming the points of difference which had arisen between the government of the US. and...
566Cabinet Opinions on the Roland and Relations with Great Britain, France, and the Creeks, 31 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments and Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st. day of Aug. 1793. A letter from Mr. Gore to Mr. Lear dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston and furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by process...
567Thomas Jefferson and Edmund Randolph to George Wythe, 1 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Aug. 17. was received, and the address it covered was immediately delivered to the President. We are sincerely & affectionately Your’s PrC ( DLC ); entirely in TJ’s hand; at foot of text: “George Wythe, Chancr. of Virginia.” Tr ( ViU : Edgehill-Randolph Papers); 19th-century copy. Recorded in SJL as a letter from “Th:J. & E.R.”
568To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 5 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The interruption, which the contagious disorder now prevailing in Philadelphia, has given to my residence there, is the cause of the delay, which has occurred in my examination of Mr. Hammonds last memorial on Pagan’s case. I beg leave to refer you to my former communications on this head; that I may not repeat them here unnecessarily. It is true, that I considered an application to the...
569Henry Knox’s Report on Defense, with Opinion by Jefferson and Edmund Randolph, 6 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secretary of War humbly reports to the President of the United States That the following measures appear necessary to be taken in order in some degree to place the United States in a situation to guard themselves from injury by any of the belligerent powers of Europe. 1st. To have all the small arms of the United States put in order for immediate use. 2dly. To have all the cannon in...
570Cabinet Opinions on Relations with France and Great Britain, 7 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
A circular letter from the Secretary of state to the Consuls and Vice Consuls of France, informing them that their Exequaturs will be revoked if they repeat certain proceedings, also one to Mr. Genet covering a copy of the letter of the Secretary of state to Mr. Gouverneur Morris desiring the recall of Mr. Genet, were read and approved. A letter from the Governr. of Georgia to the Secy. of...
571Cabinet Opinions on Various Letters, [23 November 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
At sundry meetings of the heads of departments and Attorney General from the 1st. to the 21st. of Nov. 1793. at the President’s several matters were agreed upon as stated in the following letters from the Secretary of state. To wit: Nov. 8. Circular letter to the representatives of France, Gr. Brit. Spain and the U. Netherlands, fixing provisorily the extent of our jurisdiction into the sea at...
572Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on Sureties for Mint Officers, 6 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The attorney-general of the U. S. to the secretary of state The fifth section of the act , establishing a mint , directs, that the assayer, chief coiner, and treasurer, previously to entering upon the execution of their respective offices, shall each become bound to the U. S. with one or more sureties, in the sum of 10,000 dollars, with condition for the faithful and diligent performance of...
573Cabinet Opinions on Edmond Charles Genet and James King, 7 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of departments and Atty. Genl. at the President’s on the 7th. of Dec. 1793. Mr. Genet’s letter of Dec. 3. questioning the right of requiring the address of Consular commissions to the President was read. It is the opinion that the address may be either to the US. or to the President of the US. but that one of these shoud be insisted on. A letter from James King was...
574To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, [18 December 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
1. I cannot discover any existing authority, to make the deed to Pennsylvania . Congress must be resorted to . It is probable, that the landoffice is the true channel. 2. Metcalfe has undoubtedly committed murder on the high seas: and altho’ other nations might lay hold of him, and perhaps punish him; it seems to be the peculiar duty of the U.S., whose citizen he is, to disclaim the act, and...
575To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, [after 18 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The existence of the bill is, I believe, unquestionable. I remember to have heard my uncle speak of Mr. Montagu ’s communication . But I possess no copy, nor can I direct you to any place, where you can obtain it. Mr. Remsen some time ago sent a box, which for months past has been supposed to contain my papers. When I opened it, starch, instead of papers, was found to be the contents. I shall...
576Edmund Randolph’s Notes on Jefferson’s Letter to George Hammond, [ca. 16 May 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
A cursory reading suggests for consideration the following hints. The above observations are too much hurried, to have any thing deserving reliance. MS ( DLC : TJ Papers, 98: 16775); in Randolph’s hand, with check marks and page references added by TJ; undated; endorsed by TJ: “E. Randolph’s notes.” This document, consisting of the Attorney General’s comments on TJ’s draft of his 29 May 1792...
577To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 28 August 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
Notwithstanding you have fenced out from the purlieus of Monticello every thing, which assumes a political Shape, you must permit me to bring before you a subject, once extremely near to your heart, often the employement of your pen, and always a deep interest to the United States. The delays, and evasions which you know to have been practised towards our Commissioners at Madrid , have at...
578Enclosure II: Edmund Randolph’s Memorandum of a Conference with Josef de Jaudenes, 26 August 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
Substance of the Conference between Mr. Jaudenes, Commissioner of his Catholic majesty, and Edmund Randolph, Secretary of State, at the Office of the Department of State, on Monday the 25 day of August 1794; in consequence of the request of the said Secretary. After expressing his regret at being obliged to draw Mr. Jaudenes from New York, Mr. Randolph stated the sensibility excited in the...
579To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 11 April 1795 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing, that the President intended to answer your letter , relative to the shares in the two rivers, I did [not] think it necessary to trouble you with an assurance, that I would remind him of it. He tells me, that he has stated to you fully the arrangements, which he meditates. Mr. Short mentioned to me in his last dispatches, that he had proposed to you some time before your resignation a...