1Proposals to Furnish Delegates Copies of Papers to Be Debated, [ca. 28 December] 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( NA : PCC , No. 23, fol. 79). Docketed: “Report of Comee. on Motion of Mr. Middleton Decr. 28. 1781 Mr. Middleton Mr. Clymer Mr. Clark for furnishing the members of Congress with printed Reports before debated.” The first of the proposals shown below is in Edmund Randolph’s hand, the second in JM’s. Resolved, that the secretary upon application to him made for that purpose furnish a copy...
2To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 13 September 1789 (Madison Papers)
I returned home three or four days ago, under the vexatious operation of a quartan. I have been correcting it by medicine and hope in a day or two to subdue it. I shall immediately upon recovering my ability to do business with propriety, enter upon and complete the statement of my introductory ideas in Phila. Yrs. afftely. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM.
3Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 4 March 1787, Richmond . Acknowledged in Virginia Delegates to Randolph, 19 March 1787 . Enclosed papers relating to George Rogers Clark’s conduct at Vincennes ( Randolph to JM, 1 Mar. 1787 ).
4To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 15 January 1782—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 15 January 1782[3]. The contents of this manuscript in the Madison Papers of the Library of Congress make certain that Randolph inadvertently dated it one year before he wrote it.
5Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 14 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to remind you of my letter of the first day of last december. It contained a resolution of our assembly for a meeting between Maryland & Virginia commissioners, to which the concurrence of congress was rendered necessary. The commrs of Virga. wish to know the sense of your honorable body. I have &c with the greatest respect &c FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book,...
6To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, [January–April?] 1795 (Madison Papers)
It shall be done. Put your name upon the check; it is not payable to bearer. RC ( DLC ). Addressed by Randolph. Conjectural date here assigned by comparison with Randolph’s notes to JM concerning his debt to Phineas Bond.
7Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 7 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honour of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 27th ultimo, with its inclosures. We are not at present advised of any measures which may be necessary in addition of our letter to you of the 23d. Ulto. A copy of that letter is herewith inclosed. I have the honor &c. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book, 1786–1788, manuscript in Virginia State Library. ). In...
8Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 10 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I beg leave to inclose to you a letter received a day or two ago from Mr. Arthur Campbell. We cannot act upon it. You possibly may. I have &c. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book, 1786–1788, manuscript in Virginia State Library. ). In clerk’s hand. Unsigned. Enclosure ( PCC ). Randolph to JM, 7 Mar. 1787 and n. 6.
9Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 15 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed so fully speak for themselves, that I need only add the respect with which I am &c. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book, 1786–1788, manuscript in Virginia State Library. ). In a clerk’s hand. Enclosures not found. The enclosures were copies of letters from William Croghan and Richard Anderson, and the report of Thomas Marshall and George Muter concerning the surveys...
10To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 15 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 15 March 1787 . Acknowledged in JM to Randolph, 2 April 1787 . Requested JM to inform Gardoqui of the action of the Virginia council disavowing responsibility for George Rogers Clark’s seizure of Spanish property at Vincennes.
11Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 22 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 22 March 1787 . Mentioned in Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 27 March 1787 . Acknowledged in Virginia Delegates to Randolph, 13 April 1787 . Concerned Indian problems and the settlement of the Northwest Territory (Illinois) accounts.
12Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 24 November 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 24 November 1787. Acknowledged in Virginia Delegates to Randolph, 11 Dec. 1787 . Requests delegates to obtain the appointment of a separate superintendent of Indian affairs for Virginia and North Carolina. Recommends Major Dromgoole for this position.
13To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 17 April 1788 (Madison Papers)
I thank you for your favor of the 10th. inst. from Orange. Colo. Nicholas in a late letter to me seems to think, that the majority is decidedly for the constitution. Accuracy cannot be expected; but a comparison of the intelligence, which centers here from the various parts of Va., persuades me, that he at least mistakes the degree of the majority, and leads me to suspect, that it lies adverse...
14To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 10 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
After a fatiguing journey we arrived here on sunday evening, when I found all my family well, except my wife, who, I fear, is incumbered with a dead fœtus of more than seven months old. I am endeavouring to ward off by medical aid the consequences of this event. She is now in good spirits, and therefore I trust, that the mischief will not be fatal. Yesterday I saw Colo. Innes. He informs us,...
15To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1789 (Madison Papers)
Among the arrangements of office which will most likely take place in the United States, some will probably be peculiar to the different states. As I am confident that a knowledge of characters here would assist those in whose hands this business rests, I shall not scruple to request your attention to my particular friend colo. William Heth. He was an officer of distinguished merit in the...
16To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1811 (Madison Papers)
Without one feeling, left of the character of a partizan, but still living to friendship, a man, whose hand is known to Mr. Madison, asks him, whether he recollects, or ever heard, that after Colo. Hamilton, had been severely pressed for a supposed misappropriation of the money, devoted by law to special purposes, he, Colo H, produced a letter, authorizing it, signed by President Washington,...
17To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 7 September 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Lacks complimentary close and signature, but the text, in Randolph’s hand, seems to be complete. The cover was addressed by him to “The honble. James Madison jr. esq of congress Philadelphia.” Docketed by JM, “Sepr. 7. 1782.” I waited upon Mr. Ambler to shew him your letter by yesterday’s post, but he was too much indisposed to have communication with any person. Mr....
18To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 18 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
The day before yesterday I returned hither from Leesburg. There I was confronted with Mr. Henry, and for three days we lay along side of each other, with our best cannon in action. It was a diverting scene, taken in the whole. My client Chas. Carter must have been defeated, if a single point of four had gone against him; and to obtain one, every thing was tried in the way of assertion,...
19To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 18 October 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed by Randolph to “The honble James Madison jr. esq. of congress. Philadelphia.” Erroneously docketed by JM, “Aug: 18th. 1782.” On the cover he wrote, “Huddy Camp Front: N.Y Brit: fleet. Mr. Jones. Finance Contr: Money Mattrs. Cessions.” These jottings were to remind him of subjects to mention in his reply of 29 October (...
20To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 14 February 1810 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Thomas L. Preston, my son in law, being Edmonia’s husband, purposes to visit Washington. I take the opportunity of renewing to you by him my perfect assurances of being ever Your affectionate friend RC ( DLC ). Thomas L. Preston (d. 1812) represented Rockbridge County in the Virginia House of Delegates, 1806–11 (Richmond Enquirer , 18 Aug. 1812; Swem and Williams, Register Earl G. Swem and...
21To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have just risen from a violent bilious attack, which has vexed me for nearly a fortnight past. But as I am a victim at present to weakness only, I am indulged in the liberty of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 16th. instant. We hear nothing of the constitution on this side of the river. On the other indeed the discontents are said to be loud; but it does not appear that any of...
22Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of transmitting a list of the Virginia pensioners, chargeable to the united states. The instances, in which the kind and degree of disability has not been ascertained, have proceeded from a personal examination of them, and the want of an accurate entry in our books. In future a stricter attention will be paid to the subject. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter...
23To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 3 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I am much obliged to you for your favor of the 25th. ulto. Being in Wmsburg., when I received it, I imparted it to our friend, the president, who espouses with warmth an early convention. I sincerely wish, that the valuable parts of the constitution may suffer no ill from the temper, with which such a body will probably assemble. But is there no danger, that, if the respect, which the large...
24To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 June 1786 (Madison Papers)
When Major Moore came to town, I was under the severe regimen of blisters and purges, produced by four violent colds, which I caught at four different courts and for the management of which I could not find the least leisure. Even now I am as hoarse as a raven, but free from fever or pain. Indeed my past fevers were slight and my pain, except from the blisters, of no account. I have never...
25Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 11 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 2d. instant, and thank you for its inclosures. Reductions of salaries are in such high fashion here, that congress have risen in character from the reform. But the resurrection of the prophets would not convince british debtors, that those ought to be clothed with an increased authority, who could enforce the british...
26To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 15 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
This is the first letter, which I have written, since my convalescence after the dreadful attack from a hemiplegia, with which by a kind of sympathy with my poor wife, I was afflicted in a few weeks from her death. It happily affected no faculty of my mind, and has not taken away the sanguine hope, that altho’ I require in rough ground the aid of a crutch, I may be restored to the free use of...
27Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 2 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
The letter, of which the inclosed is a Copy, was written on the second day of July last to the secretary for foreign affairs. His communication on the subject of Ferrier is dated on the 13th. of June. The Executive entered into a consideration of it immediately upon its receipt and lost no time in preparing and forwarding an Answer. That answer is unquestionably in the office of foreign...
28Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 3 August 1788 (Madison Papers)
A Copy of the inclosed resolution was formerly sent to you. No answer now appearing on our files, we take the liberty of transmitting a second copy, and requesting, that the decision of Congress, if already made may be notified to us, & that if your body has not yet decided, something definitive may be immediately urged: The subject is rendered more pressing by the situation of our accounts...
29To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 22 March 1781 [1782] (Madison Papers)
The roads have been hitherto so bad, that we have been able to accomplish no more of our journey, than about 80 miles. Tomorrow we shall see Baltimore; and unless my arrangements miscarry, I shall revisit Richmond on Sunday se’ennight. For a few minutes this afternoon I thumbed the body of Maryland laws. In the preface to Bacon’s edition of them, I found a recital of an act of the Lords...
30Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 23 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing to you copies of the Vouchers, on which Dr. Draper obtained a military Certificate from our Auditor, together with his account. We are much obliged to you for referring to the resolution of Congress, which establishes the right of Virginia to a credit for this demand, and for the footing, on which you have placed it with the board of treasury. But we cannot...
31To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
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. 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...
32To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 2 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in Randolph’s hand. Cover addressed by a clerk to “the Honble. James Madison of Congress Philadelphia .” Docketed by JM, “Novr. 2. 1782.” The great constitutional question, which was mentioned in my last letter, as having been adjourned from the general court to the court of appeals, received a second solemn hearing on thursday. The Judges, impressed...
33To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 28 October 1793 (Madison Papers)
I am satisfied, that there will be great manœuvring about the place of congress for the next session. New-York seemingly declines a visit from them; but steps are taken to distract preparations in this state, and produce a kind of necessity to go thither, as being the only spot, where accommodations can be found at short notice. A precedent, too is much wished by some, for violating the...
34To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, [January–April?] 1795 (Madison Papers)
Consul Bond has just notified me, that he has a draft upon me for 660 dollars, due to-day. I have 400, and am anxious to be precise in time with him. Be so good, as to lend me the remainder of that sum, which I can replace at any moment after tomorrow. RC ( DLC ). Dated 30 Oct. 1794 in the Index to the James Madison Papers , but conclusive evidence for affixing a proper date is lacking....
35To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 1 March 1786 (Madison Papers)
I am much indebted to you for Bayle and the Confessional. I delivered the treatises on air, with the history of their journey from hence to Orange, to Dr. Currie. He put them into the hands of McClurg who reports in strong terms of approbation the work of Scheele, as being most learned in Chymistry. The circular letters have been dispatched, with an authentication of our commercial Character...
36To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 6 December 1786 (Madison Papers)
A notification of the inclosed appointment would be scarcely necessary to you, who were a Witness of its passage; were it not to solicit your acceptance. I have the honor to be &c. FC ( Executive Letter Book Executive Letter Book, 1786–1788, manuscript in Virginia State Library. ). In the hand of a clerk. Unsigned. Enclosure not found. As commissioner to the Federal Convention in Philadelphia...
37To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 April 1789 (Madison Papers)
I was this morning favored with yours of the 12th. instant, as I had been many weeks before with your other from Alexa. I did not recollect, that I had omitted to acknowledge the receipt of the latter until you expressed a doubt of its miscarriage. I confess, it strikes me, as expedient, that a temporary arrangement of impost should be made. The merchants, (I am told and I believe with truth)...
38To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, [27 February?] 1791 (Madison Papers)
What I now write, is not designed to impose any task on your friendship; because public duty forbids private favor. But I wish you to say to me, what I ought to do. The ardor of some men for the bank renders the hope of the land-law abortive: and this hope, which has for sometime past presented to me a prospect of emolument to myself, has alone restrained me from doing something on the subject...
39To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 22 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I am afraid by your omission to acknowledge my letters, that all of them, tho’ written punctually to the time, except during my absence to the Naval offices, have miscarried. Genl. Nelson refuses to join us. Colo. R. H. Lee has been appointed in his stead. This seemed proper from the conspicuousness of the Character, and the respect, due to past services. The objection to his unfoederal...
40To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC (Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission). Unsigned and perhaps incomplete. Docketed by JM, “June 21, 1783.” Cover addressed to “The honble James Madison jr. esq. of congress Philadelphia.” Inclosed is a state of the proceedings of the assembly for a week past, and of the expectations of future business. Having been confined at home for ten days by the demands of my clients, I have...
41To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 2 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
We arrived last night after much fatigue to ourselves and horses. Indeed I have not been free from a fever since Wednesday last. From the small opporty., which I had, to ascertain the opinion of Phila. on the subject of your motion, I am inclined to believe, that if the holders of securities, the merchants and others, associated with them, or dependent on them, were excluded, the suffrage...
42To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 3 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
By this time the district-bill has passed, in nearly the same form with that of the last year, except that four additional judges are to be created. Mr. Jos: Jones, who is now absent, has thro’ Colo. Monroe signified his wish to be regenerated a judge. He will succeed. It is conjectured that the other three will appear in St. G. Tucker, Grayson, and Prentis. The constitution is not even spoken...
43To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 27 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have turned my mind somewhat to the business of may next: but am hourly interrupted. At present I conceive With these objects, ought not some general propositions to be prepared for feeling the pulse of the convention on the subject at large? Ought not an address to accompany the new constitution? I was informed, that Colo. R. H. Lee attended at Northumberland court house a few days ago at a...
44To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 21 July 1791 (Madison Papers)
Altho’ I have not put you to the expence of postage by inquiries after your health, I have not omitted to avail myself of information thro’ Mr. Jefferson. I learn with sincere satisfaction, that you have emerged from your late attack; but I wish, that you would prevent a return in the fall by an abstinence from study. I need not relate to you, that since the standard of republicanism has been...
45To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 19 August 1796 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 August 1796, Richmond. Introduces Edwin Burwell. RC ( DLC ). Written on a half-sheet, with signature clipped; a fragment with a Randolph signature was attached before the RC was given to the Library of Congress in 1937. These two pieces are attached to a separate sheet, at the bottom of which is written in an unidentified hand, “To the Hon James Madison / House of Reps. U.S.” A docket on...
46To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1785 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letters were forwarded by the president to my care. Learning from him, that a package, in which they were covered, contained some fresh literary information, I took the liberty of opening it; especially as it was suggested, and the event shewed, that it contained two other letters, one for Mr. Page, the other for Mr. Madison himself. The executive are at last persuaded of their...
47Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 4 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have some reason to believe, that the resolutions of our legislature on the subject of the Mississippi never reached your hands. The inclosed copy will satisfy you, that they were forwarded. Perhaps the letter was delivered to one of our delegates who were here; The resolutions will be found annexed to the laws of october 1786, of which Congress have had a copy. I have the honor, gentlemen...
48To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 5 November 1788 (Madison Papers)
On saturday next the election of senators will come on. The running names are yourself, R. H L. & Gr—s—n. Your friends have resolved to nominate you; being well assured, that their labours will not be in vain. It is a mortification to me, that the election shd. be brought on before my seat commences. But Carrington has, I presume, been this day elected, and will be here to morrow. When I say,...
49To James Madison from Edmund Randolph, 23 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I this morning received your favor of the 15th. In my letter of yesterday, I gave you a faithful narrative of my situation. On further reflection I feel the propriety of the communication more strongly. More confidentially therefore do I repose myself on you. Colo. Parker seems to think (but I am persuaded upon grounds, in no respect tenable,) that the president expects applications from...
50Edmund Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 8 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
Our express returned yesterday from Kentucky; bringing an answer from Colo. Muter and Colo. Marshall, on the subject of the surveys on the Miami. This answer however is not complete. We shall endeavour to make it so, as soon as we receive further information from another of the superintendants, and from the Register of the land-office. This will be accomplished I presume, early enough to go by...