James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 March 1790

From Edmund Randolph

Williamsburg March 23. 1790.

My dear friend

My dear wife is not better, than when I wrote to you last. I expect something determinate in a few days.

Inclosed is a copy of my motion.1 Had it been intended to bring forward a convention immediately, the thing was imprudently worded; because it contains many unpopular points. But as subjects of reflection for the people, they could not, I thought, be too pointed.

I give you a duplicate, that one may be put into mr. Jefferson’s hands, if you approve.

RC and printed enclosure (DLC). Complimentary close and signature omitted. Docketed by JM. The enclosure is filed under date of 8 Dec. 1789.

1This was Randolph’s motion of 8 Dec. 1789 in the Virginia House of Delegates calling for a revision of the state constitution (PJM description begins William T. Hutchinson et al., eds., The Papers of James Madison (vols. 1–10, Chicago, 1962–77; vols. 11—, Charlottesville, Va., 1977—). description ends , XII, 441 and n. 2, 461).

Index Entries