1From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
Whilst I thank you for your favr of the 23d. Ult: I must remind you that it does not contain the promised information on the Case of the French Consul here. I am led to it by being myself just reminded by him of the omission on my part. The plan of an immediate temporary impost was what first occurred on the subject. It is not yet abandoned, but the practicability is questionable. The plan of...
2From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 31 May 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 19th. instant and thank you for the answer to Mr. St. John’s enquiries. The apprehensions of Mrs. Randolph give me unfeigned concern, but I indulge strong hopes that they proceed from an imaginary cause. There are so many symptoms which mimic the cancerous that it would be wrong to suffer appearances to prevail against the favorable chances. At the same...
3From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed paper contains the proposition made on Monday last on the subject of amendments. It is limited to points which are important in the eyes of many and can be objectionable in those of none. The structure & stamina of the Govt. are as little touched as possible. Nothing of a controvertible nature can be expected to make its way thro’ the caprice & discord of opinions which would...
4From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 17 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed bill relating to the Judiciary has been just introduced into the Senate. Having not yet looked it over I can say nothing of its merits. You will be a better judge, and such remarks as your leisure will permit, will be acceptable & useful. A very interesting Question is started—By whom officers appointed during pleasure by the Presidt. & Senate are to be displaced?—whether the...
5From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last stated a question relating to the power of removal from offices then on the anvil of the H. of Rs. I now inclose the discussions as conveyed to the public thro’ the Newspapers. It is not necessary to apprize you that the reasonings on both sides are mutilated, often misapprehended, and not unfrequently reversed. You will perceive yourself that much of the reasoning is also founded on a...
6From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favd. with yours of the 30 Ult. and thank you for your remarks on the Judiciary bill. I am glad to find you concurring in the decision as to the power of removal. It seems to meet with general approbation North of Virga. and there too as far as I yet learn. Mr. Pendleton is fully in opinion with you. So is Monroe I am told . The more the question is weighed the more proper I think...
7From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
For a week past the subject of amendts. has exclusively occupied the H. of Reps. Its progress has been exceedingly wearisome not only on account of the diversity of opinions that was to be apprehended, but of the apparent views of some to defeat by delaying a plan short of their wishes, but likely to satisfy a great part of their companions in opposition throughout the Union. It has been...
8From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 8 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d Ultimo came duly to hand. A tedious and painful disorder which deprived me for many Weeks of the use of my pen, and which consequently required the greater exertion of it when I was able to set up, is the best apology I can make for not having acknowledged the receipt of the above letter sooner. The list of associates who purchased 100 Tickets in the lottery of the...
9From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 28 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Impressed with a conviction that the due administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government, I have considered the first arrangement of the judicial department as essential to the happiness of our country and to the stability of its’ political system—hence the selection of the fittest characters to expound the laws, and dispense justice, has been an invariable object of my...
10From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 30 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th of October gave me pleasure, as I not only entertain hopes, but shall fully expect from the contents of it, to see you in the Office of Attorney General when the purposes mentioned by you for the delay are answered. I shall now mention some matters to you in confidence. Mr Pendleton declining to accept the appointment of District Judge has embarrassed me—& this...
11From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this date and Shall give it that attention which the importance of the subject, to which it relates, demands. When I have made up my opinion on the matter you shall be informed thereof—with very gret esteem I am Sir, Yr most Obedt Sert Df , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . Letter not found, but see GW to Randolph, 11 Feb. 1790 .
12From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 11 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have weighed with deliberate attention the contents of your letter of yesterday; and altho’ that consideration may result in an approbation of the ideas the[re]in suggested; yet I do not, at present, feel myself authorized to give a sanction to the measures which you propose. For, as the Constitution of the United States, & the Laws made under it, must mark the line of my official conduct, I...
13From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 13 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of this morning, and in consideration of the reasons urged in that, & a former letter I consent to your returning to Virginia; but hope that your absence from the Seat of Government will not exceed the time mentioned in your letter to me of the 5th inst. With very great esteem, I am Sir, Your most Obedt Servt. Df , in Tobias Lear’s writing, DNA : RG 59,...
14From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 19 February 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The letter herewith from the comptroller of the Treasury to me and the papers accompanying it will suggest to your consideration some important questions upon which I request your opinion. There are also claims upon the public under the following circumstances respecting which I should be glad to have the benefit of your Judgement. Officers sometimes acting in boards, sometimes individually...
15From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 14 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the few lines you dropped me from Baltimore, and daily expect those promised from Fredg. I am made somewhat anxious on the latter point, by the indisposition under which you were travelling. The question depending at your departure was negatived by a very large majority, though less than stated in the Newspapers. The causes of this disproportion which exceeds greatly the estimate...
16From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 10th. came to hand yesterday. I feel much anxiety for the situation in which you found Mrs. Randolph; but it is somewhat alleviated by the hopes which you seem to indulge. The Language of Richmond on the proposed discrimination does not surprize me. It is the natural language of the towns, and decides nothing. Censure I well knew would flow from those sources. Should it also...
17From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 30 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favr. of the 15. which requests an immediate acknowledgment, by some irregularity did not come to hand till I had recd. that of the 18, nor till it was too late to comply with the request by the last mail. I have been so unlucky also as to miss seeing the President twice that I have waited on him in order to intimate the circumstances which you wish him to know. I shall continue to repeat...
18From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 6 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of Apl. 27. is this instant put into my hand. I have written to you all the letters that were promised, and have forborne to write others, because the cessation of yours led me to conclude that you had set out for N. Y. I am extremely sorry to find that this was not the case, but cheifly, on acct. of the cause of your delay. I can not suppose that under your circumstances any criticism...
19From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 19 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
The President has been critically ill for some days past, but is now we hope out of danger. His complaint is a peripneumony, united probably with the Influenza. Since my last I have found that I did not go too far in intimating that the cause of your delay would forbid the smallest criticism on it. I earnestly pray that you may no longer have occasion to plead that apology. In consequence of a...
20From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
In reply to the wish expressed in your letter of this date, to go to Philada on monday next, I can only observe, that my concurrence therein will not be withheld if there are no obstructions of an official nature; and this you can best ascertain yourself. I would however, just mention, that as it may be necessary for me, in pursuance of the law to regulate trade & commerce with the Indian...
21From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 26 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I am exceedingly sorry for the cause of your detention in Philadelphia, of which your letter of the 24 inst. informed me. But as I expect to leave this place on monday next for Virginia, it would not be in your power to arrive here, by that time, after the rect of this. There will therefore be no necessity for your leaving Mrs Randolph in her present situation to meet me in New York. I am Sir...
22From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 3 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I learn with pleasure, by your letter of the 26 ultimo, that the person supposed to have been the principal in the murder of the two Indians on pine-creek has been lodged in Lancaster gaol, and that it is very probable all the offenders will soon be apprehended. I cannot avoid expressing my wish that the proceedings, in bringing these persons to justice may be such as will vindicate the laws...
23From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, [10 December 1790] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, December 10, 1790. On July 9, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “In answering your communication of the 10th. of december last.” Letter not found. ] Randolph, a native of Virginia, was an aide-de-camp to George Washington in 1775, a member of the Continental Congress from 1779 to 1783, governor of Virginia from 1786 to 1789, and attorney general of the United States from 1789...
24From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 12, 1791. In a letter dated February, 1791, Randolph referred to Hamilton’s “letter of February, 12th: 1791.” Letter not found. ]
25From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 14 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, February 14 1791. In a letter dated February, 1791, Randolph referred to Hamilton’s “letter of the 14th: February.” Letter not found. ]
26Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The President has desired me to transmit to you the enclosed containing a copy of a bill exhibited in the High Court of Chancery of Virginia relative to certain lots drawn as prizes in Colonel Bird’s lottery, and to request that you would take some opportunity to remind him of the business, and do the necessary in it before his departure from this place. The President thinks he shall be too...
27From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 1 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States requests that the Attorney-General will give the question which accompanies the petition of Samuel Dodge, and which is herewith transmitted, a full consideration, and report his opinion thereon as soon as possible. LB , DLC:GW . GW enclosed the petition of Samuel Dodge for a presidential pardon, as well as two certificates and an affidavit included by Dodge...
28From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, [6? March 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed papers will shew you that cessions are to be made by landholders near George town, to the President for carrying into effect the establishment of the federal government there. In all cases where it is permitted, the lands are to be paid for, and the private title cleared off. I am not certain whether some of the cessions are not with a reservation of a portion of the land, without...
29Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
[Philadelphia] 9 July 1791. By the president’s command, returns the enclosed letter with the thanks of the president for the attorney generals attention in submitting it for his perusal and notes that “The President expresses his pleasure at its contents.” LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed letter has not been identified.
30From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 September 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 10 Sept. 1791. Randolph wrote to GW on Monday, 12 Sept. , of “your communication to me on Saturday last.”
31From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
By the Post of Friday, I received your communications of the first instant; and from the character of Mr Campbell am glad to hear he is disposed to act as Attorney for the District of Virginia; & that you had forwarded the Commission to him for that purpose. Also, that a pardon had been sent to Saml Dodge as it appears that his errors were unintentional. It is my wish & desire that you would...
32From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 12 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 12, 1791. On October 18, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “The attorney-general of the United States does himself the honor of replying to the questions, propounded by the secretary of the Treasury of the United States, in his letter of the 12th of October 1791.” Letter not found. ]
33From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 2 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, November 2, 1791. On November 9, 1791, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “I do myself the honor of answering your letter of the 2d. instant.” Letter not found. ]
34From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 5 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed memorial from the British minister on the case of Thomas Pagan, containing a complaint of injustice in the dispensations of law by the courts of Massachusets to a British subject, the President approves of my referring it to you to report thereon your opinion of the proceedings, and whether any thing, and what, can or ought to be done by the government in consequence thereof.—I am...
35Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 31 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of this date ⟨requesting to⟩ be informed whether you understood the President rightly upon the following points respecting ⟨the demoliti⟩on of Mr Carroll’s House. Questn 1: Whether payment could be ordered to Carroll for ⟨more⟩ of his House than was run up, when he executed his ⟨agreement?⟩ Answr upon this point the Attorney General’s opinion is desired....
36Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 10 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The President directs me to offer you his sincere condolence for the loss of your sister—to which permit me, my dear sir to add mine. The President thinks it would be best for you to take an opportunity of conversing with Mr Ellicot respecting Mr Carroll’s house, before you send him your opinion on the subject, as he wishes every information to be had that can be obtained respecting it. The...
37From John Jay to Edmund Randolph, 31 March 1792, enclosing Report to the Board of Trustees of the Sinking Fund, 31 March … (Jay Papers)
The Chief Justice of the United States presents his compliments to the Attorney General, and requests the favor of him to lay before the Board of trustees, the opinion herewith enclosed, on the question stated in their act of the 26th instant, a copy of which the Chief Justice yesterday received, enclosed in the letter which the Attorney General did him the honor to write on the 29th instant....
38From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 2 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 2, 1792. On June 21, 1792, Randolph wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your communication of the 2d instant.” Letter not found. ]
39From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 7 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 7, 1792. On June 10, 1792, Randolph wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your favor of the 7 Instant.” Letter not found. ]
40From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, 25 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, June 25, 1792. On June 26, 1792, Randolph wrote to Hamilton and referred to “your communication of yesterday.” Letter not found. ]
41From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 12 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Van Berckel, the resident for the United Netherlands with this government, having, as you will perceive by the copies of his letters inclosed, complained of an infraction of the law of nations by an officer of this state, entering his house and therein serving a process, I take the liberty of putting into your hands the inclosed copies with a desire that you will proceed in such due course...
42From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 26 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Augt 26th 1792 The purpose of this letter is merely to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 5th & 13th instt, and to thank you for the information contained in both without entering into the details of either. With respect, however, to the interesting subject treated on in that of the 5th, I can express but one sentiment at this time, and that is a...
43From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 3 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Mount Vernon Sep. 3d 1792. Since my last to you dated the 26th of Augt—I have been favoured with your letter bearing the same date, covering Mr Bordley’s “Sketches on rotations of Crops[.]” Permit me, through you to offer him my sincere thank for this instance (among many others) of his politeness. The subject is interesting and important, and as soon as I have leizure, for...
44From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 13 September 1792 (Madison Papers)
“Your favor of the 12 Ult. having arrived during an excurtion into Albemarle, I did not receive it till my return on yesterday. I lose not a moment in thanking you for it; particularly for the very friendly par[a]graph in the publication in Fenno’s paper. As I do not get his paper here, it was by accident I first saw this extradiordinary manœuvre of Calumy; the quarter, the motive, and the...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 17 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The last post brought me your favor of the 26th of August; but it brought me at the same time so much business to be answered by return of post, and which did not admit of delay, that I was obliged to postpone the acknowledgment of yours. I thank you sincerely for what respects myself. Though I see the pen of the Secretary of the Treasury plainly in the attack on me, yet, since he has not...
46From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 1 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
It is highly important that the proceedings in the Indictments of those who have opposed themselves, unwarrantably, to the Laws laying a duty on distilled spirits, should be placed on legal ground & prosecuted properly; it is my desire therefore that you will attend the Circuit Court at York Town, to be holden the of this Month and see that, that business is conducted in a manner to which no...
47From Alexander Hamilton to Edmund Randolph, [6 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Philadelphia, October 6, 1792. On October 17, 1792, Randolph wrote to Hamilton : “On my return home, I found your letter of the 6th instant.” Letter not found. ] Although this letter has not been found, the answer to it indicates that its contents were similar to those of “Treasury Department Circular,” September 13, 1792 .
48From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 28 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose you a letter from the Minister of France with sundry papers which accompanied it respecting the unlawful proceedings of a Capt. Hickman of the schooner Dolphin, in bringing away from Martinique sundry slaves the property of persons residing there, and making sale of them in the U.S. and to ask the favor of you to advise what may be proper for punishing all offenders...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Randolph, 9 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of submitting to your consideration sundry letters which have passed between Governor Martin, Governor Blount and myself relative to intrusions on the lands of the U.S. in the South-Western territory, and of asking your advice Whether any and what proceedings should be instituted for asserting the rights of the U.S. against the intruders? I have the honor to be with great...
50George Washington to Edmund Randolph, [24 November 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
It appears to me necessary, that processes should issue without further delay upon the Indictments found at the last Circuit Court held at York Town in the Commonwealth of Pensylvania, in reference to the laws laying a duty on Spirits distilled within the United States—and proper, that they should be served by the Marshall of the District of Pensylvania, in person. I am to desire that the...