11To 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...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 7 September 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
By the last post I suggested to you that our European affairs would probably bear greater delay than you apprehended. What you call your temporary disability will be removed early enough, to allow you to reach France by January. From Colo. Laurens’s account I am induced to believe, that Great Britain will never admit an American plenipotentiary into the congress, before which a general...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 12 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter and proclamation of the governor of North Carolina seem to afford a proper ground for the belief, that future intrusions on the lands of the U.S. need not be apprehended. Concerning these therefore nothing is necessary on my part. I do not find any difficulty in saying, that as to those, which have already taken place, the right of the U.S. is complete, to institute prosecutions....
14To 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...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 28 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The new arrangement, to which my aversion to the law has lately given birth, throws me into a new scene, which leaves me at leisure to testify my respect for you, by transmitting any intelligence, occurring here, worthy of your notice. At present, however, political action has ceased, and this state is in perfect tranquillity; the assembly having risen about a fortnight ago, and the public...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 22 February 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
The council board has been so much crouded with business of late, that I could not procure an order for the removal of Goodrich to Albemarle, ‘till this morning. I should not have delayed to comply with the resolution of Assembly so long, had it not been necessary to examine him in the county, in which it is supposed he committed the crime. The order for his removal went by express to day to...
17Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on the Theft of Slaves from Martinique, 1 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The attorney-general of the United States has the honor of replying to the communication of the Secretary of State, on the 28th. Ultimo, concerning the proceedings of Captain Hickman, in bringing away from Martinique certain slaves, the property of residents there. Judging from the documents, which have been forwarded to him, the Attorney-general would not hesitate to pronounce, that a theft...
18Edmund 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...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 9 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot suffer my engagements in business, to interfere with a reply to the observations, with which you favored me, on the proposed letter to the collectors. For while I shall support, within my limited sphere, every just energy of government; I am solicitous, that my friends should ever believe, that I do support it, because it contributes to the essence of republicanism, and our fœderal...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 15 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
My communications to you in the case of Pagan against Hooper, combined with the facts, which have since occurred, will support me in saying, that as the law-officer of the United States, I have contributed every thing in my power to the relief of Pagan. You will recollect, that counsel was employed by him to move for a writ of error: that the first application was refused: that upon...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 13 November 1778 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Carrington, who is a defendant in the suit, brought by your Relation Jefferson vs. Reade’s administrators , obtained an order at the last court, that he, as being nonresident, should give security for costs at the next Term. Will you be so good, as to inform him of this, if he is within the circle of your correspondence? Be pleased to add, that dismission is the penalty on non compliance...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 15 May 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your mission to Europe reached us the day before yesterday, and made me doubt whether you will not have sailed before my answer to your friendly letter by the last post shall get to hand. I had begun to transcribe for you the manuscript defence of our claim to western territory. I shall pursue the task, and forward it by some opportunity across the Atlantic. It is probable, that you will have...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 21 November 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
While I supposed, that every thing was completed by Mr. Morris relative to Mr. Short’s money, for which he (Mr. M.) gave me his note for stock in 1794, I have been deceived. Immediately I obtained from Mr. Lyons and Mr: Pendleton, who hold six per cent stock the inclosed assumpsit for £2,000 within thirty pounds; which you will find satisfactory; as it is certain. I am the absolute owner of...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 8 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge your favor, of the 28th. of December, on the subject of John Moss. Some of the difficulties which you were pleased to suggest, had occurred to my self; but that which I now remove by the inclosed copy of the judgment, was supposed by me to have been obviated by a communication from the attorney of the District. With the application for mercy, you would never,...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 27 January 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The abstract, which I had the honor of putting into your hands this morning, was formed by a minute examination of the papers, relative to the case of Mr. Thomas Pagan. I am, as yet, unable to give a mature opinion. But it is easily discovered, that the refusal of an appeal to the supreme court of the United States constitutes a capital article of his complaints. If this course were ever open...
26To 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...
27Memorandum 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...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, [5] December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have perused the abstract of the case of Thomas Pagan, which I received from you this morning. Altho’ I cannot entertain a momentary doubt of the facts, therein asserted; yet am I compelled by the rules of official responsibility, to request a copy of the record, from which those facts are derived, before I give an opinion on the subject. In procuring this record no time ought to be lost....
29To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 2 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I took the liberty of mentioning to you the other day the application, which Mr. Telles’s friends had made, for his appointment to the office of consul in Lisbon, and which they wished me to assist. On recollecting, what passed between us, I suspect that I was not clearly understood in my statement of Mr. Telles’s situation. He can never sue the court or any individual of Lisbon. His suit is...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 29 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received a letter from my mother, painting an embarrassment in one of my father’s pecuniary affairs. The seriousness of its aspect has led me to asert myself for her relief. But until the first of July, I absolutely shall be unable; and her situation admits no delay. Excuse me then for begging your aid, until that day, as far as seven hundred dollars. I am to remit three hundred...
31To 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...
32Edmund 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...
33To 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....
34To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 6 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
As the terms for an arrangement, including Mr. Short’s claim on me, will soon be perfected with the comptroller, permit me to obtain the favor of you, to forward to me the order, which I formerly gave in Mr. Short’s favor, on Messrs. Pendleton & Lyons, as administrators of Mr. Robinson. I would not trouble you, had I not been enformed by the comptroller and Mr. Geo. Jefferson, that it is not...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I beg leave to remind your excellency of the situation of John Dean, a supposed fugitive from the lead mines, in defiance of the condition of his pardon. It is probable, that the actual abandonment of the place of labour will not be fixed upon him: ‘tho’ nothing can be more satisfactory, than that he had made preparations for flight. I say this upon the information of Colo. Lynch. Now I refer...
36To 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.
37To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 9 February 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
Reflecting upon what I wrote this morning respecting the capture, made by the unarmed countrymen, I am inclined to think, that I was inaccurate. As well as I recollect, Vattel was said to be against their claim; but that daily usage was in favor of it. So far perhaps he is right. But if they have title to what they take; it is certainly wrong to affirm, that military stores are to be excepted....
38Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, [13–15 May 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
A Perhaps the Secretary of State, revising the expression of this member of the sentence, will find terms to express his idea still more clearly and may avoid the use of a word of doubtful propriety “Contraventions.” B “but be attentive” C “mere” to be omitted D Considering that this Letter will probably become a matter of publicity to the world is it necessary to be so strong? Would not the...
39To 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...
40Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on Recess Appointments, 7 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The answer of the attorney general of the United States to the question propounded to him by the Secretary of State on the following case. By the constitution, the President shall nominate and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate shall appoint Ambassadors, &c, and all other officers of the United States whose appointments are not therein otherwise provided, and which shall be...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 30 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Judge Wilson, to whom application was made for a citation in the writ of error, desired in Pagan’s case , has taken the subject into consideration again, at my instance. Not more than one half of the record was laid before him; and the portion, which he did not see, was the most important; as alone containing the matter, upon which a writ of error could be pressed. I cannot say, what may be...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 4 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Being on the point of my departure for Philadelphia, I have only time to inform your excellency, that the information given you by me in my last letter , concerning the bayonets, which were supposed to remain at Havre appears now to be without foundation. I am Sir with the highest respect yr. mo. ob. serv., RC ( DLC ); endorsed. FC ( Vi , Executive Letter Book). Not recorded in SJL , and...
45To 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.
46To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 13 November 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor of returning to your Excellency the papers referred to me, respecting the Portuguese snow captured by Captain Cunningham while Commander of the privateer Phœnix. The resolutions, entered into by Congress upon this Subject on the 21st. day of July 1779, call for public punishment, as well as private reparation; the former of which can be sought for upon no other principle...
47Legal Opinion of Edmund Randolph, [ca. August 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
The question is, whether any punishment can be inflicted on persons, treating with the Indian tribes, within the limits of the United States, for lands, lying within those limits; the preemption of which is vested in the United States? Extract from Edmund Randolph to George Washington, 12 Sep. 1791 ( DLC : Washington Papers). The provenance of this document is necessarily a matter of...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 16 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
E. Randolph, with best respects, to Mr. Jefferson. Yesterday your suit with Johnson was tried; when the judge declared it to be perfectly clear in your favor, and dismissed the bill. Johnson’s counsel said, that she should make no remarks in opposition to the decree. I presume, therefore, that an appeal is not meditated. If it be so, the present result can never be varied. RC ( DLC ); endorsed...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 7 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. James Lownes, of this place, is about to visit Monticello, upon a subject, interesting to himself, as a father. He wishes therefore to have his character made known to you. It is with pleasure, that I assure you, from the united testimony of his fellow-citizens and my own particular knowledge, that his character is eminently respectable, and that confidence is universally placed in him,...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 24 April 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been forbidden by an unusual sensation in my head for some time past, to write a line, which the duties of my profession did not extort from me. This circumstance alone has hitherto prevented an answer to your last favor. The elections for this year have proved the readiness of the citizens to incorporate the military with the civil. I have heard of the success of seven military...
51To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 23 June 1776 (Jefferson Papers)
Gilmer, not being able to attend the Convention the other Day, when the Delegates were chosen, sent a Memo. to me, to press your Non-election. I urged it in decent Terms: but stirred up a Swarm of Wasps about my Ears, who seemed suspicious, that I designed to prejudice you. However, fortunately for my Credit, your Letter to the President was yesterday read to the House, confirming, What I had...
52Edmund Randolph to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1813 (Jefferson Papers)
Immediately upon my receipt of your request to execute a deed to for M r Mazzei’s property in Richmond , I announced my readiness to sign any instrument, which you might forward to me. Not having heard from you since, I suspect, that my letter has miscarried, and now therefore repeat it. I am reached here sooner l with letters by the way of Alexandria , than through any other channel of...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 28 January 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
When I came lately into office, I found two letters from your excellency to my predecessor unanswered. I cannot ascertain the dates, being at present unable to have recourse to them; but the subject of this address will point to the letters themselves. The executive are much indebted to you for your humane attention to Mercier : and I am authorized to assure you, that your disbursements shall...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 8 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Edm: Randolph presents his respectful compliments to Mr. Jefferson; and will thank him to assign to Colo. Wilson Cary Nicholas the order on Mr. Robinson’s admrs, concerning which E. Randolph took the liberty of writing to him the other day; as Colo. Nicholas is now intitled to the balance. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
55To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 22 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I suspect from the communication of the British Minister, dated on the 18th. of february 1792, that the reasons for delaying a definitive answer to his first memorial on the subject of Mr. Pagan, are not rightly understood. The principal allegations of Mr. Pagan are, that the true construction of the preliminary articles justified the seizure: that the pendency of the appeal in England ought...
56Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on Offenses against the Law of Nations, 5 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Memoranda Neither of the two cases is cognizable in the U.S. criminaliter ; because they arose within the local jurisdictions of Florida and St. Domingo. Generally speaking; Incendiaries, poisoners, and other very high offenders may be demanded by the sovereign, from whose territory they fled; and ought to be delivered up; according to the law of nations. But no power exists in the U.S.; by...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 15 November 1797 (Jefferson Papers)
E. Randolph informs his friend Mr. Jefferson, that he shall by the mail of tuesday next, put into his hands such documents, as have been promised by him respecting Mr. Short’s affair. RC ( DLC : Short Papers); endorsed by TJ as received 13 Dec. 1797 and so recorded in SJL . Letters from Randolph to TJ of 12 July and 6 Aug. 1797, recorded in SJL as received 14 July and 7 Aug. 1797,...
58To 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...
59Edmund Randolph’s Notes on Jefferson’s Letter to Alexander Hamilton, [ca. 26 March 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Would it be amiss to anticipate a suspicion, that the paper, mentioned in the 6th. line, was prepared and reserved for a fit opportunity of disgust? Suppose it to be designated, as an official paper? That the two loans were not consolidated by your opinion does not sufficiently appear. I understand the fact to be, that this was fixed, without calling in your judgment. If the two loans had not...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 12 July 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
Many unforeseen accidents, and particularly a long indisposition have occasioned the delay, which has occurred in the acknowledgment of your friendly attention in the present of books. Since the receipt of them, your favor concerning the capitol came to hand; after the most painful anxiety at the tardy movement of the plan to Virginia. We are at length relieved by its arrival. A council of...