1From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, ca. 28 September 1787 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 28 September 1787. Mentioned in JM to Randolph, 7 Oct. 1787 . Relates proceedings of Congress on the report of the Federal Convention.
2From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, ca. 14 February 1786 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. ca. 14 February 1786. Mentioned in JM to Jefferson, 18 March 1786 , where JM noted the arrival of a letter written by the Attorney General “dated prior to his receipt of mine.” Apparently JM wrote Randolph some time in the middle of February concerning Jefferson’s plea that work on the state capitol should be suspended until his set of plans could be completed and sent to...
3From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 22 January 1782—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 22 January 1782[3]. The manuscript of this document is now missing. A printed copy is in Madison, Papers (Gilpin ed.) Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 111–12. Many years after writing the letter, JM selected at least a portion of it for inclusion in the earliest edition of his papers. Either JM misdated the letter a year too...
4From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 23 April 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 23 April 1801. Mentioned in Randolph to JM, 29 June 1801 . Queries Randolph on his reference to inheritance case of Hoomes v. Hoomes .
5From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 25 March 1801 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 March 1801. Mentioned in Randolph to JM, 29 June 1801 . Asks Randolph a series of legal questions concerning settlement of father’s estate.
6From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 16 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers will give you the latest intelligence from Poughkepsie. It seems by no means certain what the result there will be. Some of the most sanguine calculate on a ratification. The best informed apprehend some clog that will amount to a condition. The question is made peculiarly interesting in this place, by its connexion with the question relative to the place to be recommended...
7From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 July 1789 (Madison Papers)
I have been favd. with yours of the 30 Ult. and thank you for your remarks on the Judiciary bill. I am glad to find you concurring in the decision as to the power of removal. It seems to meet with general approbation North of Virga. and there too as far as I yet learn. Mr. Pendleton is fully in opinion with you. So is Monroe I am told . The more the question is weighed the more proper I think...
8From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed, “Edmd Randolph Esqr. per Express. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “Jas. Madison jr. Congress. private March. 24. 1783.” The express by whom I send this conveys to the Governor the welcome event of a general peace. The preliminary articles were signed on the 20th. of Jany. The day to which hostilities are limited is omitted in the abstract of the...
9From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison Novr. 10. 1782.” Only a portion of the cover is extant. On it, in JM’s hand, appears “The honble Edmun Fav’d. by Col: Bassett.” For “Col: Bassett,” see JM to Randolph, 12 November 1782, n. 1 . I put under this cover the Newspaper of saturday last, and a poetical production of N. England which has much applause bestowed on it. We...
10From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. April 15th. 1783.” My letter by a private hand who left this place a few days ago together with late public letters will have fully apprized you of the decisive events which have taken place in favor of peace. The paper inclosed will amuse you with the bickerings in the British parliament on that subject. Genl....
11From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 5 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Aug: 5. 1783.” Your favor of the 18th. ult. which my last did not acknowledge was in the mail & was shortly after recd. Your succeeding one of the 25th. inclosing the pamphlet came to hand yesterday. The Gazette which I inclose will give you a sight of the Philada. Address to Congress and their answer. Since I left...
12Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 4 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
We have the Honor to acknowledge the Rect. of your Excellencies letter of the 23d. Ult. inclosing Copies of the Account & Vouchers founding the settlement of the State of Virginia with Doctor Draper for his depretiation, and leaving it in our descretion, whether to prosecute him for the indemnification of the State, or to take any steps towards establishing the Validity of the transaction...
13From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 2 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have your favor of the 15th. inst. All of preceding date have been already acknowledged. The information which you wished to go to Mr. Guardoqui has been communicated. The real impression made by it cannot easily be seen thro’ the political veil. If he views the state of Western affairs in the true light, his representations to Spain, must convince her that she has no option but between...
14From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 4 March 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr.” and addressed by him to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison March 4, 1783.” The italicized words are those written by JM in the Randolph code, for which see Papers of Madison William T. Hutchinson, William M. E. Rachal, et al ., eds., The Papers of James Madison (6 vols....
15From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 14 November 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Docketed by Randolph, “James Madison Novr. 14. 1782.” Below this date JM added, probably many years later, “to E. Randolph.” By a line dropped for the post, tho’ perhaps too late to get into the mail, and by another by Dr. Tucker who soon followed, I informed you of the reappointment of Mr. Jefferson, that the act passed unanimously & without even an...
16Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 30 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
The delegation have received your Excellencys letr. of the 14th. Nothing yet has been done relative to the meeting of the commissioners deputed by the states of Maryland and Virginia, nor will this business be brought forward untill Congress assemble in more strength. The enclosed resolution will shew the sense entertained by the united states relative to the unauthorized possession of Post...
17From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 12 November 1782 (second) (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover addressed to “The honble Edmd. Randolph favd. by Dr. Tucker who will deliver it himself if he can—if not by the hand of Col: Monroe.” This cover was docketed by Randolph, “Novr. 12. 1782 J Madison.” On the fragment of a second cover there appears, certainly not in Tucker’s and seemingly not in Monroe’s hand, “[Ho]nble Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Resolved...
18Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 26 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
We are sorry to inform you, that we have inquired at the board of treasury respecting the indents of interest necessary for the State under the requisition of the last year, & that the Commrs. have informed us that from the uncertainty of the productiveness of the funds appropriated by the legislature as a compliance, they were doubtful whether they could with propriety issue them at all, but...
19From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 August 1789 (Madison Papers)
For a week past the subject of amendts. has exclusively occupied the H. of Reps. Its progress has been exceedingly wearisome not only on account of the diversity of opinions that was to be apprehended, but of the apparent views of some to defeat by delaying a plan short of their wishes, but likely to satisfy a great part of their companions in opposition throughout the Union. It has been...
20Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 12 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 12 September 1788 . Mentioned in JCSV H. R. McIlwaine et al., eds., Journals of the Council of the State of Virginia (4 vols. to date; Richmond, 1931—). , IV, 286, and alluded to in Randolph to Virginia Delegates, 23 Sept. 1788 . Encloses copies of the following papers from the Board of Treasury concerning the disputed account of Dr. George Draper for his wartime military...
21From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 14 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. the few lines you dropped me from Baltimore, and daily expect those promised from Fredg. I am made somewhat anxious on the latter point, by the indisposition under which you were travelling. The question depending at your departure was negatived by a very large majority, though less than stated in the Newspapers. The causes of this disproportion which exceeds greatly the estimate...
22From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
My last stated a question relating to the power of removal from offices then on the anvil of the H. of Rs. I now inclose the discussions as conveyed to the public thro’ the Newspapers. It is not necessary to apprize you that the reasonings on both sides are mutilated, often misapprehended, and not unfrequently reversed. You will perceive yourself that much of the reasoning is also founded on a...
23From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 22 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned and lacks a complimentary close. Cover franked by JM and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison. April 22. 1783.” The mail of yesterday like the preceding one broungt no letter from you. I just understand that a Frigate from France is at Chester, but what intelligence she brings & particularly whether she brings a...
24From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 17 October 1788 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed are 4 letters from Mazzei & one from Mr. Jefferson which you will be good eno’ to dispose of. I have a letter from the former in which he begs me to add my importunities to you & Mr. Blair, for speedy succour if possible. I have one also from the latter, but it contains nothing of much consequence. His public letters to which it refers have not yet been communicated from the Office of...
25From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Unsigned but in JM’s hand. Cover franked by him and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison July. 15. 1783.” Many years later, after recovering this letter, JM wrote “1783” on the docket under Randolph’s indistinct notation of that year. Yesterdays post brought me no letter from you. The Contents of the inclosed paper make up...
26Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 12 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your Excellencies favor of the 4th. Instant this moment came to hand. The post is just going out, and therefore I have not time to say more, in addition to this acknowledgement, than that Congress yesterday appointed Mr. John Pierce, late Paymaster General, to succeed Mr. Fox who has resigned, and he will set out immediately to Virginia. I shall do myself the Honor to write you more fully...
27From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 September 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have been favd. with yours of the 12th. instant. The picture it gives of the state of our Country is the more distressing as it seems to exceed all the known resources for immediate relief. Nothing in my opinion can give the desired facility to the discharge of debts, but a reestablishment of that confidence which will at once make the creditor more patient, and open to the solvent debtor...
28From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 July 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). The fragment of cover is stamped “ free ” and addressed in JM’s hand to “Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J Madison.” Upon recovering the letter many years later, JM added “July. 21. 1783” to the docket. This will serve merely to prevent a chasm in my correspondence, having nothing whatever of consequence to make a subject of it. We hear nothing from...
29From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 10 April 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). JM wrote on the cover only his own signature and “Edmund Randolph.” On the cover in another hand appears also “Favd. by Mr. Sitgreaves” ( Delegates to Harrison, 10 Apr. 1783, n. 1 ). Randolph docketed the cover of the present letter, “J. Madison. April 10, 1783,” and wrote “J. Madison” in the left margin of the text. The important contents of the inclosed paper were...
30Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 19 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of has been duly received, though we are sorry to inform you, the packett had sailed a few hours before, so that we could not by that opportunity forward the inclosures. We have applied to Genl. Knox respecting the arms; but he has declined reporting to Congress even in favor of a sale: so that we have giv’n up all thoughts of procuring them from the Confederacy: the Genl. has...
31Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 16 April 1787 (Madison Papers)
Your Excellencies favor of the 4th Inst. enclosing a list of Pensioners came to hand this morning together with the talk to the Cherokee Indians alluded in that which I had the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a few days past. We shall do ourselves the honor to lay before Congress all the intelligence you have been pleased to transmit respecting the Cherokee Indians, as the best excuse for...
32From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 27 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
A Congress was made for the first time on monday last and our friend C. Griffin placed in the chair. There was no competition in the case which you will wonder at as Virginia has so lately supplied a president. N. Jersey did not like it I believe very well, but acquiesed. I postponed writing by the last mail, in hopes of being able by this to acquaint you with the probable result of the...
33From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 20 September 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover missing. Many years later, after recovering the letter, JM docketed it, “Sep: 20. 1783 JM.” 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. The Virga. Cession underwent a decision of Congs. a day or two after my last. The form which they have given it...
34From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 June 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison June 24. 1783.” Cover missing. I cannot break in upon my punctuality so far as to omit acknowledging your favor by yesterday’s post, though I can scarce do more than refer you to the official letter to the Govr. and mine to Mr. Jones, which you will see, whether he be absent or present, having addressed it to you on the first...
35From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 22 July 1788 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed papers will give you a view of the business in the Convention at Poughkepsie. It is not as yet certain that the ratification will take any final shape that can make New York immediately a member of the new Union. The opponents can not come to that point without yielding a compleat victory to the federalists, which must be a severe sacrifice of their pride. It is supposed too that...
36From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 28 May 1782 (Madison Papers)
Excerpt ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 130–34). The manuscript has not been found. Only the last two paragraphs of the text, probably in cipher in the original, are printed here, because the rest of the letter is identical with the one which JM wrote to Joseph Jones on the same date, except for the personal...
37From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 6 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your’s of Apl. 27. is this instant put into my hand. I have written to you all the letters that were promised, and have forborne to write others, because the cessation of yours led me to conclude that you had set out for N. Y. I am extremely sorry to find that this was not the case, but cheifly, on acct. of the cause of your delay. I can not suppose that under your circumstances any criticism...
38From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 25 February 1787 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary’s despatch will have communicated to you the Resolution of Congress giving their sanction to the proposed Meeting in May next. At the date of my last a great division of opinion prevailed on the subject; it being supposed by some of the States that the interposition of Congress was necessary to give regularity to the proceeding, and by others that a neutrality on their part was a...
39From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 May 1781—Misdated (Madison Papers)
Letter misdated. 1 May 1781 [ 2 ]. Three of the earlier editions of the papers of JM printed portions of his letter, allegedly written on 1 May 1781, to Edmund Randolph, attorney general of Virginia and delegate from that state in Congress beginning on 14 June 1781 ( Madison, Papers [Gilpin ed.] Henry D. Gilpin, ed., The Papers of James Madison (3 vols.; Washington, 1840). , I, 90–93; Madison,...
40From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 9 August 1782 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by “J. Madison Jr.” and addressed by him to “The honble Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond by Express.” Docketed by Randolph, “1782, Aug. 9.” Extract of a letter from Carlton & Digby to Gen Washington. Augt. 2. “We are acquainted Sir by Authority, that negociations for a general peace have already commenced at Paris & that Mr. Grenville is invested with...
41From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 24 August 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Cover franked by “J Madison Jr” and addressed to “Edmund Randolph Esqr. Richmond.” Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Aug: 24. 1783.” Beneath this docket is written in an unknown hand, “Letters of the honble J Madison (of Congress),” probably signifying that at one time the cover was at the top of a packet of JM’s letters. Mr. Jones who arrived the beginning of the...
42From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 13 February 1783 (Madison Papers)
RC ( LC : Madison Papers). Docketed by Randolph, “J. Madison Feb: 13. 1783.” The italicized words are those enciphered by JM in the Randolph code. I heartily congratulate you on the dawn of peace presented in the inclosed paper. Apprehending that the commercial sagacity of this & intervening places, may sieze the crisis to speculate on the Staple of Virga., we have judged it prudent to...
43Virginia Delegates to Edmund Randolph, 5 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
We have the honor of inclosing a copy of M. Van Berkel’s note to Congress respecting an act of the legislature of the State of Virginia, which he has represented to be contrary to the Treaty of amity & commerce between the United Netherlands & the United States of America. This note is referred to the Secy. for foreign affairs to report witht. their having yet giv’n any opinion on the subject....
44From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 21 March 1790 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 10th. came to hand yesterday. I feel much anxiety for the situation in which you found Mrs. Randolph; but it is somewhat alleviated by the hopes which you seem to indulge. The Language of Richmond on the proposed discrimination does not surprize me. It is the natural language of the towns, and decides nothing. Censure I well knew would flow from those sources. Should it also...
45From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 2 July [August] 1788 (Madison Papers)
Some of the letters herewith inclosed have been here for some time without my knowing it. The others came to hand yesterday. I have also in hand for you the Marquis Condorcet’s essai on the probability of decisions resulting from plurality of voices, which I understand from Mazzei is a gift from the Author. I shall forward it by the first conveyance. There are public letters just arrived from...
46From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 1 March 1789 (Madison Papers)
This is the first convenient opportunity I have had for dropping you a line since I last came into the State. Your sanction to my remaining in N. York during the crisis of the elections, conveyed through Col: Carrington, never came to hand till I had arrived in Orange. It coincided so fully with my inclination, and indeed with my judgment, that had it been received in due time, I do not know,...
47From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 20 January 1788 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 3 inst. By a letter from Mr. Turberville of later date I have the mortification to find that our friend Mr. Jones has not succeeded in his wish to be translated from the Executive to the Judiciary Department. I had supposed that he stood on ground that could not fail him in a case of that sort; and am wholly at a loss to account for the disappointment. The...
48From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 19 May 1790 (Madison Papers)
The President has been critically ill for some days past, but is now we hope out of danger. His complaint is a peripneumony, united probably with the Influenza. Since my last I have found that I did not go too far in intimating that the cause of your delay would forbid the smallest criticism on it. I earnestly pray that you may no longer have occasion to plead that apology. In consequence of a...
49From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 19 March 1787 (Madison Papers)
I have been favored with yours of the 1st. instant for which I make you my acknowledgments. The public letter which goes by this mail with the papers inclosed contain all the current information. I have made enquiry as to the copies of the Treaties with Europe & the Indian Nations, which you wish to be forwarded, and am told that you will find all of them on the printed Journals of Congress,...
50From James Madison to Edmund Randolph, 15 June 1789 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed paper contains the proposition made on Monday last on the subject of amendments. It is limited to points which are important in the eyes of many and can be objectionable in those of none. The structure & stamina of the Govt. are as little touched as possible. Nothing of a controvertible nature can be expected to make its way thro’ the caprice & discord of opinions which would...