Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 7 September 1781

From Edmund Randolph

Philadelphia Sepr. 7. 1781.

Dear Sir

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 pacification is to be agitated, until some humiliating stroke of war and that until such admission, France will not negotiate on the subject. These considerations fully answer your objection, and give me an opportunity of wishing for authority to say, that you will embark upon the embassy.

I am Dr. Sir yrs. sincerely,

Edmund Randolph

RC (NNP).

Randolph’s letter by the last post has not been found, nor was it received by TJ; see letter following.

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