James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 20 September 1783
To Edmund Randolph
RC (LC: Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after recovering the letter, JM docketed it, “Sep: 20. 1783 JM.”
Princeton. Sepr. 20. 1783.
Dear Sir
I have nothing to add to my last on the subject of foreign affairs, further than that the Court of France has fixed on L’Orient as a free port for the U. S.1 The Virga. Cession underwent a decision of Congs. a day or two after my last. The form which they have given it may be seen in the hands of the Executive. I sincerely hope it may meet the Ultimatum of Virga.2 The circumstances which produced brevity in my last as strongly recommend it at present.3
Adieu,
J. M Jr.
1. JM to Randolph, 13 Sept., and nn. 1–6; Delegates to Harrison, 20 Sept. 1783, and n. 3.
2. Delegates to Harrison, 20 Sept., and n. 4; JM to Jefferson, 20 Sept. 1783, and n. 3. Many years later JM or someone at his bidding placed a bracket at the close of the sentence to indicate that all the letter except its last sentence should be included in the first comprehensive edition of his papers (, I, 574).
3. Here again, as so often in his letters with a Princeton date line, JM referred to his cramped quarters in that village.