1George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to...
2George Washington to Alexander Hamilton and Edmund Randolph, 14 May 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, May 14, 1794. “Consider, attentively, the Memorial of Walter Stewart, David H. Conyngham, Joseph Gilpin and J Grubb (with the papers accompanying it, in behalf of themselves & others) and report to me your opinions thereupon.” ALS , RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters, 1790–1799, National Archives; LC , RG 59, State Department Correspondence, 1791–1796, National Archives. On April 24,...
3George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [10 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
It is my wish to set off for Mount Vernon on Monday next. With some inconvenience to myself, it might be delayed until Wednesday; beyond which the purposes of my journey would, in a great measure, be defeated by further delay. I therefore desire that everything which requires my attention in your Department previous to my absence, may be laid before me with as much promptitude as the case will...
4George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 24 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States requests the attendance of the at Nine o’Clock tomorrow morning ; at the President’s house, on the subject of the note sent to the on the 17~. inst: and that the will bring with him such remarks as he may have committed to writing in pursuance of said note. At the same time the President will lay before the Heads of the Departments & the Attorney General some...
5George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, March 21st [–22] 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To The Secretary of State—The Secretary of the Treasury—The Secretary of War and The Attorney General of the United States. Gentlemen, The Treaty which is agreed to be held on or about the first of June next at the Lower Sandusky of Lake Erie, being of great moment to the interests and peace of this Country; and likely to be attended with difficulties arising from circumstances (not unknown to...
6George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [3 August 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Fresh occurrences, but communicated thro’ private channels, make it indispensable that the general principles which have already been the subject of discussion should be fixed, & made known for the government of all concerned, as soon as it can be done with propriety. To fix rules on substantial ground, conformably to treaties & the Laws of nations, is extremely desireable. The verdict of the...
7George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [16 June 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
Tomorrow I shall commence my journey for Virginia. My absence from the seat of Government will be as short as I can make it, to answer the purposes of my going. In the interim, occurrences may happen, out of the common routine which might suffer by delay. Where this is the case, & the matter is of importance, advise with the other Secretaries, & the Attorney General, and carry any unanimous...
8George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, [29 July 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
It will not be amiss, I conceive, at the meeting you are about to have to day, to consider the expediency of directing the Customhouse Officers to be attentive to the arming or equipping Vessels, either for offensive or defensive war, in the several ports to which they belong; and make report thereof to the Governor or some other proper Officer. Unless this, or some other effectual mode is...
9From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 2 July 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Commission for the Postmaster General, is signed and returned. The other for the Marshall of the District of North Carolina is also signed & forwarded by Post. Tomorrow I commence my journey for the Seat of the Governmt. ADfS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Randolph had sent these commissions for GW’s signature in...
10From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 30 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Letters to the Minister of the French republic, appears proper. The propriety of laying those from him, before Congress, I will converse with you upon tomorrow morning at Eight o clock. By whom is the request made for a Passport for a Vessel belonging to Mr Jno. Brown to go to St Domingo? I have no objection to the measure if such cases are within the contemplation of the Resolution laying...
11From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 15 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
For the reasons mentioned to you the other day—viz.—the Virginia Assembly being in Session—and a plan being on foot for establishing a Seminary of learning upon an extensive scale in the Federal city —it would oblige me if you and Mr Madison would endeavor to mature the measures which will be proper for me to pursue in order to bring my designs into view, as soon as you can make it convenient...
12From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 29 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your private letters of the 24th & 25th instant have been received, and you will learn by the official letter of this date, my determination of returning to Philadelphia after Monday, if nothing in the interem casts up, to render it unnecessary. I am excited to this resolution by the violent, and extraordinary proceedings which have, and are about taking place, in the Northern parts of the...
13From 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...
14From 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 .
15From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 21 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
In several of the public Gazettes I had read your note to the Editor of the Philadelphia Gazette, with an extract of a letter addressed to me of the 8th instant; but it was not until yesterday, that the letter itself was received. It is not difficult, from the tenor of that letter, to perceive what your objects are; but that you may have no cause to complain of the withholding any paper...
16From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 22 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
Both your letters, dated the 17th instt, found me at this place, where I arrived on Monday. The letter from the Commissioners to you, I return; as I also do the Gazettes of Pittsburgh & Boston. The proceedings at the latter place are of a very unpleasant nature: the result I forwarded to you from Baltimore, accompanied with a few hasty lines written at the moment I was departing from thence;...
17From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 3d instt; accompanying the public dispatches, was received yesterday; & I rejoice exceedingly that the apprehensions on acct of the yellow fever have vanished. It would have given great alarm to all those in this Camp who left families in the City, if Mrs Washington had retired from it; & on the other hand it would have been a source of continual uneasiness to me in...
18From 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...
19From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 26 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Herewith you will receive two resolves—one of the Senate, dated the 24th; the other of the House of Representatives, dated the 25th instant; accompanying a letter from the Committee of public Safety of the French Republic to Congress requesting the President of the United States to cause the same to be answered, on their behalf. This answer you will prepare accordingly, in terms expressive of...
20From 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...
21From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 31 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
On Wednesday evening, I sent the packet, now under cover with this, to the Post Office in Alexandria; to be forwarded next morning at the usual hour (4 oclock) by the Baltimore mail; but behold! when my letter bag was brought back from the Office and emptied I not only got those which were addressed to me among which yrs of the 27th was one, but those also wch I had Sent up the evening before....
22From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 25 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir Mount Vernon June 25th 1794. Monday’s Post brought me your letter of the 18th instant, with its enclosures. The Minister of his Britanic Majesty seems more disposed to be captious than conciliatory. Whether it proceeds from his ideas of policy—the advice of his councellers—or a natural petulance of temper, remains to be developed. The enclosed letter from a Mr Reuben Harvey,...
23From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 19 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Tuesday Morning 19th Augt—94. I sincerely condole with you & Mrs Randolph on your late loss; but as it was an event which had been long expected, I hope she will meet the stroke with fortitude. Under the circumstances wch exist it is by no means my desire that you should attend to the duties of yr Departmt in the City to day—unless it accords perfectly with your convenience...
24From 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,...
25George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 22 March 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
I send you a letter of the 26 Ulto from William Bingham Esquire to the Secretary of the Treasury together with the documents accompanying it. I desire your opinion on the following points arising upon these papers. I Whether the proceedings heretofore by the UStates in Congress assembled have transferred from Mr. Bingham to the public the consequences of the transaction in question so as to...
26From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 4 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
It is my desire that you would, with as little delay as can be avoided, examine all the acts of the last session of Congress; and report such parts as call for the particular attention of the Executive; that they may be put into a proper course of execution. L (letterpress copy), DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. The date,...
27From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 26 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 26 Jan. 1794. In his second letter to GW of this date , Randolph wrote that he “has just had the honor of receiving the President’s letter.”
28From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 20 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 20 April 1795. On 24 April, Randolph wrote GW: “I had the honor of receiving yesterday your favor of the 20th instant from Mount Vernon.”
29From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 1 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
I think the United States will be benifited by granting the request of Louis Osmont —but, as applications have been, and probably will be frequent—I conceive it will be advisable to ascertain as nearly as may be the precise objects of the Embargo —and havg so done to establish rules or principles that will meet cases as they shall occur which will save trouble at the same time that it will be...
30From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 27 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have duly recd your several Letters of the 20th 21st & 22d instt, with their enclosures. The only matter which seems to require my immediate attention is contained in the last of them. I am not disposed under my present view of the case, to inform Mr Hammond that Our Envoy at the Court of London shall be specially instructed on the point of compensation, for British vessels captured by...
31From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 23 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 14th only came by the Post of last night, to Alexandria, & this is sent thither to day, that it may go by tomorrow’s Mail, & thereby reach you as soon as the nature of the case will admit. As you have given no positive opinion respecting the Power of the Executive to change the place for Congress to meet at, & as it is uncertain what will be the result of this business; I am...
32From 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...
33From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 21 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 21 April 1795. On 26 April, Randolph wrote GW: “I have the honor to acknowledge your favor of the 21st instant.”
34From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 20 August 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your resignation of the Office of State, is received. Candour induces me to give you, in a few words, the following narrative of facts. The letter from Mr Fauchet, with the contents of which you were made acquainted yesterday, was as you supposed, an interscepted one. It was sent by Lord Grenville to Mr Hammond; by him put into the hands of the Secretary of the Treasury; by him shewn to the...
35From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 27 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
My letters for the Post office in Alexandria, had been sent off some hours before the enclosed dispatches were put into my hands, by the young Gentleman whose name is mentioned in Govr Clintons letter to me, also forwarded. Not willing to lose a Post day, I hasten to send the resolutions above alluded to, late as it is, to Alexandria; to go on tomorrow— with a request similar to the one made...
36From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 24 November 1792 (Washington 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 Pennsylvania, in reference to the laws laying a duty on Spirits distilled within the United States —and proper, that they should be served by the Marshal of the District of Pennsylvania, in person. I am to desire, that the...
37From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 9 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday at 11 Oclock your dispatches of the 7th were delivered to me in less than 23 hours from the rect of them by the Express in Philadelphia. Little, of moment, has occurred since mine of the 6th. A meeting of the Committee of 60, at Parkinson’s ferry the 2d instt have resolved that if the signature of the submission, be not universal, it is not so much owing to any existing disposition...
38From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 11 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote to you yesterday, I did not expect to be in this village at this hour. But finding it difficult to get even part of the Troops off, that were ordered to March yesterday, I resolved to see the residue in motion to day before I left this place, myself. This dilatoriness does not proceed from any disinclination in the Troops themselves, to proceed; but for want of arrangement, and...
39George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 11 October 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Carlisle, Pennsylvania, October 11, 1794. On October 14, 1794, Randolph wrote to Washington: “At eight o’clock last night I was honored by Colo. Hamilton’s public letter of the 11th instant.” Letter not found. ] Although Randolph refers to “Colo. Hamilton’s public letter,” in actuality the letter in question was written by H for Washington. On October 11, 1794, Washington wrote a private...
40From 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...
41From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 27 September 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have lately received three letters from you: two bearing date the 15th instant; the other the 21st. One of the former came to hand the 19th, the other the 21st —and the latter yesterday. Your signature as Secretary of State to the ratification of the Treaty having been given on the 14th of August —and your resignation not taking place until the 19th it became necessary, in order to be...
42From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 29 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
It is to be regretted that the Snow Camilla had not got off before she was arrested by the Revenue Officer. To permit it now as she is a loaded Vessel might be a delicate, if not an unjustifiable measure, under the Act of Congress laying an Embargo. Whether the representation of the French Minister in his second application is of weight sufficient to induce a departure from the obvious meaning...
43From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 27 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of your letter to me of the 25t[h] inst. stating the opinion of the Secretarry of State, the Secretary of the Treasury and yourself, on the subject of a suit instituted against Mr Bingham —and suggesting the propriety of giving instructions to the Attorney for the United S. in the Massachusetts Dist. to appear in behalf of Mr Bingham —provided that Mr Bingham will execute...
44From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 30 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 25th instt enclosing one from Mr G. Morris of the 7th of March, came duly to hand. The measures you have taken in consequence thereof, appear to be expedient & proper. I am sorry to find by his private letters (two of which I send for your perusal, & to be returned) that he & our other Ministers abroad, are continually repeating (& complaining of) their want of information...
45From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 22 August 1795 (Washington Papers)
Agreeably to your request & my promise, and as soon as it has been in my power, I send you a copy of Mr Fauchet’s letter No. 10 to the “commissaire du départment des relations extêrieures.” LB , DLC:GW . For Randolph’s request and GW’s promise, see Randolph to GW, 19 Aug. (first letter), and GW to Randolph, 20 August. For discussion of then-French minister Jean-Antoine-Joseph Fauchet’s letter,...
46From 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...
47From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 15 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
Let me know whether the message (which in the evening of yesterday) I requested you to draw, will be ready by 11 o’clock this forenoon? If you answer in the affirmative, I shall require the Gentlemen with whom I usually advise on these occasions, to attend me at that hour; for I consider that message (both as to matter & form) of such importance as to make it necessary that every word of it...
48From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 29 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
My private business requires that I should make a journey to Virginia, as soon as Congress shall have closed their present Session, & If public duties will permit, I shall perform it accordingly. The purposes for wch I go cannot well be answered in a shorter absence than eighteen days, from the Seat of Government. It is my desire therefore, that you would examine all the laws which have passed...
49From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 29 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have read the draught of yr letter, intended as an answer to the British Minister’s reply to Mr Pinckneys Memorial, on the Instructions of the 8th of June 1793. Those of the 6th of Novr following stands unconnected with the subject. It is essential that all the cited cases should be correct; and that the general statement should be placed on incontrovertible ground; otherwise, the argument...
50From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 26 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 22d instt I received yesterday morning. I still think of commencing my journey for Philadelpa at the time, & in the manner mentioned to you in my last; but if the weather or any thing else should occur to prevent it, you shall be informed thereof in a P.S. to this letter before it is sent to the Post Off[ic]e. The request of the Dutch Resident is embarrassing and means more,...