128011To 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...
128012To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 29 July 1785 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 23d instant came duly to hand. But I am sorry to be unable to execute the request contained in it. The council-books are destroyed. The general restriction of settlement on the western waters does, I acknowledge, extend to military rights, as well others. But it continues only, until the King’s further pleasure should be known. The patent in your hands is abundant evidence,...
128013To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 5 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that General Knox and Mr Bradford have been notified by him personally; and that General Knox promised to notify Colo. Hamilton. E. Randolph will wait on the President at ½ after 11 o’clock. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. The date is taken from the docket on the letter.
128014To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 5 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have persuaded myself, that this letter, tho’ unconnected with any official relation, and upon a subject, to the decision of which you alone are competent, will be received in the spirit, with which it is written. The Union, for the sake of which I have encountered various embarrassments, not wholly unknown to you, and sacrificed some opinions, which, but for its jeopardy, I should never...
128015To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have turned my mind somewhat to the business of may next: but am hourly interrupted. At present I conceive With these objects, ought not some general propositions to be prepared for feeling the pulse of the convention on the subject at large? Ought not an address to accompany the new constitution? I was informed, that Colo. R. H. Lee attended at Northumberland court house a few days ago at a...
128016Enclosure VII: Edmund Randolph to Perez Morton, 19 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
It is impossible to recollect the sufferings of our captive brethren in algiers, without feeling a high respect for the exertions, made by the manager of the Boston Theatre, for their relief. But however great the interest may be, which the President of the United States takes in their fate and happiness, he is of opinion, that he ought to decline any other agency upon the occasion, than what...
128017To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letter from A. G. Fraunces contains insinuations, which are undoubtedly without grounds, as I verily believe. Still they are of such a nature, as to render it too delicate, to pass them by without notice. On the other hand, the gentleman, who is spoken of, has a title to know a charge, like that expressed in the letter. Permit me therefore to suggest, that the papers be put...
128018To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 29 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of submitting to the consideration of the President two drafts of letters to the French minister The substance of the one concerning the passport to a vessel in ballast was agreed this morning between Colo. Hamilton and E.R. It is also submitted to the President, whether Mr Fauchet’s two letters for the Passport ought not to be sent to congress, that, if...
128019To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 13 September 1783 (second) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned, but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed by him to “The honble James Madison jr. esq of Congress Princeton.” Docketed by JM, “Sepr. 13. 1783 E.R.” The bracketed letters are those excised from the manuscript by an overly close cropping, especially along the right margin of the second folio. Norfolk and its neighbourhood are I fear, doomed to perpetual...
128020To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 25 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of Mr Dandridge’s letter of the 20th instant from Bedford, the daily expresses are discontinued, and one is to go to the army only every other day. I should not have written now, but to inform you, that I shall have the draught in sufficient forwardness on your return; having made progress in it. Indeed if I knew your sense as to the matter, which you approve to be inserted, it...
128021To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 9 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of sending to the President a letter from Colo. Humphries the material part of which is his memorial to the Portuguese minister; in which he says, that he has provisional instructions, in case Portugal considers herself at war with France. The Portuguese paper is translated. the French papers are nothing more, than a request from the French sailors for the...
128022Edmund Randolph to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 2 July 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, July 2, 1794. “The Secretary of State has the honor of forwarding to the Secretaries of the Treasury and of War the opinion of the President, as to the answer to be returned to Mr. Hammond on the subject of compensation; and requests their judgment upon the kind of answer, which will best conform to the President’s views.” LC , RG 59, Domestic Letters of the Department of State,...
128023To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of receiving yesterday your favor of the 20th instant from Mount Vernon. A letter from Mr Jay, dated the 7th of January, and received yesterday from the Eastward, recommends the postponing of Mr Pinckney’s trip, until the treaty with G. Britain shall be ratified. I presume it is too late to give such an instruction, even it were adviseable; and Mr Jay probably calculated upon...
128024To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 21 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of informing the President, that he has caused two copies to be made of the laws of the North Western territory, and now incloses them. It was long doubted, whether it was the duty of the Executive to lay them before congress. But upon a closer examination of the ordinance, the propriety of the step flows from the right, reserved to congress, to disapprove...
128025To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of sending to the President the draft of a letter to Mr Jaudenes in answer to his, respecting the Georgia sales—The papers, which he sent E.R. are (besides his letter, which I read to the President) a letter from the baron de Carondelet, enclosing one from his correspondent in Charleston, and the acts of Georgia translated into Spanish. They all go to the single point...
128026To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 1 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
The secretary of State has the honor of communicating to the President, a letter from Mr Hammond inclosing one from Govr Simcoe, and an answer, proposed by E.R. to Mr Hammond. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Randolph enclosed George Hammond’s letter to him of 27 Nov., which transmitted a copy of John Graves Simcoe’s...
128027To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 14 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The secretary of state has the honor of returning to the President the letters from Mr Morris and Mr Livingston A memorandum is taken for an inquiry to be made into the subject of the former; and it seems very plain, that Mr L——n has left an opening to be asked again. If the President thinks proper to repeat his application, perhaps a good mode of introduction would be, to say to him, that it...
128028To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 21 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ I have not put you to the expence of postage by inquiries after your health, I have not omitted to avail myself of information thro’ Mr. Jefferson. I learn with sincere satisfaction, that you have emerged from your late attack; but I wish, that you would prevent a return in the fall by an abstinence from study. I need not relate to you, that since the standard of republicanism has been...
128029To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 15 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of submitting to the President the draft of a letter to the different foreign ministers, resident here; except Mr Hammond, to whose court Mr Jay is charged. It is written with a view to quicken the redress of our suffering citizens, by saving the time, which a formal negotiation will require. If indeed a formal negotiation should at last be necessary; even...
128030To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have not seen Mr Fauchet, and cannot ascertain, whether he has gone on to German Town or not. But finding that I should be obliged to return to Phila. tonight, and that my eyes are extremely uneasy and inflamed from the ride this morning, I must beg your excuse for not returning to dinner. I would however go back, if I did not know, that Colo. Hamilton will act as the interpreter to Mr...
128031To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
In concurrence with general Knox, I have the honor of submitting to you the notes for the different communications to congress. My object has been, merely to give the summary idea, without contemplating precise language in any respect. As soon as you shall have signified your sense upon the matter, the form and dress can be easily thrown over it. The William Penn and Caroline have arrived from...
128032To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 22 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honor of writing to you yesterday and the day before. It has since become necessary, to decide the case of the ship William, of Glasgow, which was said to have been captured by a French cruizer, within the protection of our coast. But the evidence having been deemed by us all incompetent to establish the fact, both the French and English Ministers have been informed, that she...
128033To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Sir. Spencer’s [Germantown, Pa.] Novr 10. 1793. After I parted from you last night, I obtained a promise from Mr Dunlap, the printer, to bring out on monday his file of newspapers. This renders it unnecessary for me to continue my request as to yours. But while I am thus led to recollect, that you meditate a visit to the city to morrow, permit me to suggest one consideration. The...
128034To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 January 1776 (Washington Papers)
I have been endeavouring to collect the Journal, and Ordinances of our last Convention, which rose last Saturday, in order to transmit them to your Excellency. But Purdie is backward in publishing them: so that I could do no more, than get a Promise from him to send them by next Post. Last Sunday a small Skirmish happened below: the Event of which, as it is said, was favourable to us, we...
128035To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 26 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, June 26, 1794. “The President left in my hands the inclosed letter from A. G. Fraunces of the 28th. ultimo, to examine, what was best to be done. My opinion being that nothing ought to be done upon it, and that silence is the proper answer, I shall observe this course, unless you can suggest something more eligible.” LC , RG 59, Domestic Letters of the Department of State, Vol....
128036To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 August 1796 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1796, Richmond. Introduces Edwin Burwell. RC ( DLC ). Written on a half-sheet, with signature clipped; a fragment with a Randolph signature was attached before the RC was given to the Library of Congress in 1937. These two pieces are attached to a separate sheet, at the bottom of which is written in an unidentified hand, “To the Hon James Madison / House of Reps. U.S.” A docket on...
128037To 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...
128038To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 20 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Private I do myself the honor of inclosing to you a letter from Colo. H. It proves, what I suspected, that the first opinion was not maturely weighed. But there is something in the business a little mysterious to me; which I shall examine into, before I write to you upon the occasion. The whole subject is daily increasing in magnitude: The proceedings in Boston, which, as yet, we guess at...
128039To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 23 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
In preparing the letter, which I had the honor of addressing to you on the 20th instant, respecting the controversy between the governors of Pennsylvania and Virginia, I kept in view the propriety of saying something of a reference to congress, and of ascertaining the time, when you would probably choose to interpose in such disputes. Presuming, that you would not wish to confirm more of the...
128040To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 8 September 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Persuaded as I am, that the last effort for the happiness of the United States must perish with the loss of the present Government, and that to be unable to execute laws because a few individuals are resolved to obstruct their operation is nothing less, than a surrender of it, I went into the consideration of the carolina and pittsburg papers with a determination to spare no pains to ascertain...
128041To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Algerine captain; who has lately been travelling thro’ New England, and the states north of this place, is arrived here; and called upon me yesterday with a kind of introductory letter from the Vice President. The Algerine tells me, that Mr Adams means to introduce him to you this morning; and therefore I think it my duty to give you my conjectures concerning him. They are, I confess, not...
128042To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to inform the President, that it appears by a letter, just received from Mr Latimer, the representative of Delaware, that the numbers of distressed people from St Domingo in that State probably amount to about an hundred. It is submitted to the President, whether it will not be better to give a sum to them out of the remaining five thousand dollars, rather...
128043To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 28 August 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, August 28, 1794. “… it is the wish of the President of the United States, that General Miller should be sent into the counties of Pennsylvania, west of the Susquehannah, to ascertain their real temper, in case they should be called upon to quell the insurrection in the West. This idea arose from the suggestion in Mr. Bradford’s private letter, and is certainly important. The...
128044To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1785 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letters were forwarded by the president to my care. Learning from him, that a package, in which they were covered, contained some fresh literary information, I took the liberty of opening it; especially as it was suggested, and the event shewed, that it contained two other letters, one for Mr. Page, the other for Mr. Madison himself. The executive are at last persuaded of their...
128045To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 30 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The question which I had the honor of receiving in your letter of the 20th of March instant, is, Whether certain certificates of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania , originally issued in lieu of Continental certificates, and lately offered to be subscribed to the Loan in State debt, according to the Act supplementary to the Act, making provision for the debt of the United States, can be legally...
128046To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 28 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
On revolving the subjects, with which I am officially connected, I discover none, deserving the notice of congress, except those, which are comprehended in the necessity of reforming our judicial system. The detail of them would be almost infinite; and certainly too minute for a communication from the executive: Nor can the congress forget the admonitions, which they have already received on...
128047To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 17 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to inform the President of the United States, that he received this morning from Mr Daniel Gaines, of Georgia, two letters offering himself, as the successor of Major Forsyth, late marshal of that district. Mr Gaines refers to the Secretary, as knowing his character; but he cannot call the gentleman to mind. The only thing, which occurs, is, that Mr Gaines...
128048To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 6 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
The secretaries of the treasury and war department being of opinion, that it is constitutional and expedient to impower Mr Jay to conclude a treaty of commerce with Great Britain, the powers are drawn, conformably with these ideas. But as they entertain sentiments, different from mine, and have committed them to paper, permit me to assign a few of the most operative reasons on my mind. 1. To...
128049To 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...
128050To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
I was this morning honored by your letter of the 19th instant from Baltimore. Mr Adams’s commission was completed, before you left this city. Having notified his appointment to him, I yesterday received a letter from him, dated at Boston on the 14th instant. He accepts, and will set out for Philadelphia about the 24th or 26th of this mon[th]. Hence it is certain, that he will be here on your...
128051Edmund 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...
128052To 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....
128053To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 23 December 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Director of the Mint being of opinion, that it may be advantageous to contract for the fifty tons of Copper, offered by the Schuyler Copper Mine Company to be delivered by the last of May next, I must request you to obtain information whether the contract can be punctually fulfilled. In that case, I shall get the favor of you to enter into an engagement in behalf of the United States, at a...
128054To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
The vessel, which is to go to the West Indies for the papers, respecting British captures, being ready to sail, I have the honor to request a warrant on your contingent fund for eight hundred dollars to be paid to the agent, who will embark in her, on account of his expences and trouble, and seven hundred dollars, to defray the charges of records &c.; making in the whole fifteen hundred...
128055To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
Upon the proceedings against Ensign Morgan two questions may arise. The first is, whether the President, as the constitutional commander in chief of the army, ought to pass his judgment on them; and if he ought, the second will be, whether the sentence of the court-martial is supported by the testimony, and the articles of war. When the subject was opened yesterday for consideration, and I had...
128056Edmund Randolph to William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox, 5 April 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of inclosing for the consideration of the Secretaries of the Treasury and of War and the Attorney General of the United States, the papers in the case of the British Ship William, a prize to a French vessel of war. The Secretary of State is of opinion, that it is not proved, that she was taken within the protection of our Coasts, and therefore that she...
128057To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 August 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 24 Aug. 1790. In a letter to Randolph, 26 Aug. 1790 , GW refers to Randolph’s letter “of the 24th inst.”
128058To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 30 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
Private Sir Philadelphia July 30. 1794 The day before yesterday I mentioned to Mr Laurence Washington my wish to speak with him on the subject of his studies. He came to me, and immediately stated his situation. He apprehends, and is extremely mortified at believing, that he has lost your good opinion. But he solemnly avers, that the inferences, which may be drawn to his disadvantage, from his...
128059To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
When I had the honor of receiving your favor of the third instant, I was too much indisposed by a fever to answer it by the return of the mail. The movements, said to be meditated at the next session of the Virginia assembly, are the disfranchisement of the excise-officers, by taking from them the right of suffrage, and also the establishment of a state-bank, in opposition to the Branch Bank....
128060To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 14 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have revolved with great attention the matter of the letter, which you yesterday did me the honor of confiding to my perusal. Convulsed as we are, I cannot but believe, that there is scarcely a man in the government, whom party will not sooner or later destine for an attack. A communication therefore, which seems even to be tinctured with particular objects, will naturally excite caution. I...