91Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on the Theft of Slaves from Martinique, 1 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The attorney-general of the United States has the honor of replying to the communication of the Secretary of State, on the 28th. Ultimo, concerning the proceedings of Captain Hickman, in bringing away from Martinique certain slaves, the property of residents there. Judging from the documents, which have been forwarded to him, the Attorney-general would not hesitate to pronounce, that a theft...
92To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 4 November 1792 (Madison Papers)
Presuming, that No law, subsequent to my departure from Virginia, has changed the modes of practice, which prevailed during my familiarity with them, I proceed to answer the queries. 1. If A’s judgment stands, and B. goes to a new trial, A cannot repeat any offset or plea, which was used in his, (A’s) suit on the former occasion. Errors of the jury or omissions of the party will not be...
93To Thomas Jefferson from Edmund Randolph, 12 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter and proclamation of the governor of North Carolina seem to afford a proper ground for the belief, that future intrusions on the lands of the U.S. need not be apprehended. Concerning these therefore nothing is necessary on my part. I do not find any difficulty in saying, that as to those, which have already taken place, the right of the U.S. is complete, to institute prosecutions....
94Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on Offenses against the Law of Nations, 5 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Memoranda Neither of the two cases is cognizable in the U.S. criminaliter ; because they arose within the local jurisdictions of Florida and St. Domingo. Generally speaking; Incendiaries, poisoners, and other very high offenders may be demanded by the sovereign, from whose territory they fled; and ought to be delivered up; according to the law of nations. But no power exists in the U.S.; by...
95To Alexander Hamilton from Edmund Randolph, 7 January 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
When I first read your letter, inclosing the cession of Montok-point, I suspected, that it would be necessary to travel into a wide constitutional field. I was apprehensive, that I should be obliged to inquire, whether congress, even if they were so disposed, could accept a cession, with a reservation of state-jurisdiction. But when I adverted to the act, which directs a light-house to be...
96To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 30 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
Mr Randolph presents his respectful compliments to the President; and incloses a memorandum of some intelligence, which he yesterday procured from Mr Campbell, the district-attorney, on the state of Virginia affairs. Mr R. thought, that it might not be unacceptable to the President; as it comes from a gentleman of Character, just from the theatre of the discontents. AL , DLC:GW . Randolph...
97To 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...
98To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 18 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have made the inquiries, which you suggested this morning, from men, well-acquainted with the three characters. Mr Cook appears to possess integrity, industry, punctuality, and the qualities, suited to a collecting lawyer. Upon the scale of eminence, he has no just pretensions; altho’ his vanity occasions him frequently to discover, that he conceives himself inferior to none of any bar. Mr...
99To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 22 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of presenting to you some of those views, which the very delicate affair of the removal affords, and the result of a provisional inquiry, which I set on foot. 1. The charges have come in an ambiguous form; half-private, half-public; and it must be uncertain, until the arrival of the new-minister from France, to what extent those charges are to be pressed. To seize so...
100Cabinet Meeting. Opinion on Furnishing Three Million Livres Agreeably to the Request of the French Minister, [25 … (Hamilton Papers)
Feb. 25. 1793. The President desires the opinions of the heads of the three departments and of the Attorney General on the following question, to wit. Mr. Ternant having applied for money equivalent to three millions of livres to be furnished on account of our debt to France at the request of the Executive of that country, which sum is to be laid out in provisions within the US. to be sent to...