61Cabinet Opinions on the Roland and Relations with Great Britain, France, and the Creek Indians, 31 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the Heads of departments & Attorney General at the President’s on the 31st day of Aug. 1793. A letter from mister Gore to mister Lear, dated Boston Aug. 24. was read, stating that the Roland, a privateer fitted out at Boston & furnished with a commission under the government of France, had sent a prize into that port, which being arrested by the Marshal of the district by...
62To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 3 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 3 Oct. 1793. On 14 Oct. GW wrote Randolph : “I have received yours of the 3d instt.”
63To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
I did myself the honor of writing to you about ten days ago; since which time we have been in daily hopes and expectation, that a change in the temperature of the air would arrest the progress of the fever. But we are still without rain or cold. Our accounts from Philadelphia are hourly more and more gloomy; whether we consider the number of the deceased, of new patients, or of orphan...
64To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 14 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 14 Oct. 1793. On 23 Oct. GW wrote Randolph : “Your letter of the 14th only came by the Post of last night, to Alexandria.”
65To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 22 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
On my return from Lancaster, I found, that Major Franks had agreed to let you have his house. But the terms are excessive; being no less than 150£ per annum, or for a shorter period, not under six months, at the same rate. Except a looking-glass or two, and a few pictures, he will not suffer any of the furniture to remain; tho’ I have prevailed upon his agent to permit a couple of beds and...
66To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
My messenger, who carried into Philadelphia yesterday the letter, which I had the honor of addressing to you at Baltimore, brought from the post-office your favor of the 14th instant. It is but lately, that I could procure an intercourse with it: but he will go in again tomorrow, in order to convey this letter, and receive any others, which you may have thought proper to write to me. I have...
67Enclosure: Draft for “A Proclamation By the President of the United States”, 24 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
Whereas the situation of public affairs requires, that the ensuing session of congress should not be postponed beyond the first monday in december next, being the day appointed by the constitution of the United States for the assembling thereof; and there is reason to doubt, whether the city of Philadelphia, the temporary seat of government, which for some time past hath laboured under a...
68To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
I had this moment the honor of receiving your letter of the 23d instant by a special messenger from Philadelphia. As he is impatient to return, and I mean to write a duplicate for Elkton, I will trouble you with but a short communication. At Baltimore and Elkton, two letters of different dates are waiting for your arrival; one written on the 23d, the other on the 25th instant. Since the...
69To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 28 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the time, when this letter is delivered to you by Major Lenox, you will have received the different letters, which I forwarded to you at Baltimore and Elkton, stating, among other things, what I had done concerning your lodgings. Colo. Franks not being in town, and his agent not being willing to let the house for any period, short of six months, I could not combine the objects, which you...
70To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
The attorney general of the United States has the honor of submitting to the President of the United States the following considerations on the power and propriety of convening congress to a place, different from the city of Philadelphia. The constitution declares, that “neither house, during the session of congress, shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for more, than three days,...
71To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Sir. Spencer’s [Germantown, Pa.] Novr 10. 1793. After I parted from you last night, I obtained a promise from Mr Dunlap, the printer, to bring out on monday his file of newspapers. This renders it unnecessary for me to continue my request as to yours. But while I am thus led to recollect, that you meditate a visit to the city to morrow, permit me to suggest one consideration. The...
72II, November 1793 (Washington Papers)
Heads of subjects to be communicated to congress; some at the opening, others by messages. 1. The proclamation, and the reasons for issuing it, together with an observation on the French treaty. 2. The selling of prizes in our ports. 3. The engagement concerning compensation for vessels, captured under certain circumstances. 4. The propriety of vesting the fœderal courts with power to aid the...
73IV, November 1793 (Washington Papers)
As soon as the European war had embraced those nations, with which the U.S. have an extensive commercial intercourse, there was reason to apprehend, that this intercourse might be interrupted, and our disposition for peace drawn into question, by the suspicions, usually entertained by belligerent powers. It seemed therefore to be my duty, to admonish my fellow-citizens, of the consequences of...
74IX, 28 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
Heads of matter, to be communicated to congress, either in the speech, or by message, as collected from the notes of the President, and the other gentlemen. advised speech— I. The acknowledgment to the people, which the reelection of the President would naturally excite add—speech II. The proclamation do 1. Referring to the time, when it issued. do 2. Assigning the motives of it to be do ...
75To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
Upon the proceedings against Ensign Morgan two questions may arise. The first is, whether the President, as the constitutional commander in chief of the army, ought to pass his judgment on them; and if he ought, the second will be, whether the sentence of the court-martial is supported by the testimony, and the articles of war. When the subject was opened yesterday for consideration, and I had...
76To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
Permit me either to have a personal interview with you on thursday, if the eruption on my hand will permit, or to write to you a candid opinion upon your kind, and always too friendly conduct towards me. I hope, that this delay will not be too long. I have the honor to be, Dear sir, with sincere and affectionate attachment and respect yr obliged humble serv. ALS , DLC:GW . The next Thursday...
77To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of inclosing to you a certificate from Judge Wilson, of my having qualified, as secretary of state. A duplicate is deposited among the files of the office. I must intreat you, sir, to receive my very affectionate acknowledgments, for the various instances of your confidence; and to be assured, that, let the consequence be, what it may, in this perilous office, no...
78To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 3 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of observing to you this morning, that the commissioners ought not, in my opinion, nor indeed in the opinion of Mr Jefferson and Mr Madison, to abandon the legal title to the lots sold. The facility, which occurred to me, was, that the commissioners might by a power of attorney authorize Mr Pinckney or any other of our ministers residing at places abroad, where Mr Greenleaf...
79To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 4 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I must beg the favor of you to cast your eye over the list of business, which remains to be acted on in this office. My object in making this request is, that, if any part of it should deserve a priority, different from that, which I shall pursue in executing it, you would be pleased to suggest it. The order, in which I mean to take the subjects up, is according to the numbers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5....
80To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 4 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have examined the journal of the proceedings of the Executive in the territory North West of the Ohio. It is very little more, than a history of bickerings and discontents, which do not require the attention of the President. I shall therefore forbear to send it to you, unless you should call for it. The laws of that territory are now under transcription, that they may be forwarded to...
81To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 7 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State, after reviewing the letters from our Ministers, unanswered, has the honor to report to the President as follows: Three of those letters are from Messrs Carmichael and Short jointly of June 6th Aug. 15th and Sep. 29th in the last year. The first, which is the only important one, pressed for new instructions, adapted to the new relations, which had sprung up between the...
82To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 8 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of informing the President of the United States, that he examined Mr Rittenhouse on the third instant, as to the state of the mint and received from him the inclosed answer. LB , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. The enclosed answer from David Rittenhouse has not been identified.
83To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 11 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
Mr Jefferson has noted among the papers, which accompany the Algerine communications, that “there is no fund, out of which the hire of the Swedish vessel can be paid.” I beg leave therefore to submit, to your consideration, Whether you will order payment of Mr Church’s bill, to the amount of one hundred and fifty pounds sterling, out of the contingent fund in your disposal. I have the honor,...
84To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 11 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I saw Mr Bourne and Mr Bradford together yesterday. The former is disinclined to the office of district attorney, saying, among many other things by way of objection, that nothing would tempt him to bring down upon him the fire of both parties. They agreed in the superiority of Howell as to talents; but as he never read the law, until he began to practise, I cannot conceive, that he possesses...
85To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of sending to the President the inclosed letter, which came from the Post-office. E.R. cannot ascertain, whether it came by the mail, or some vessel recently arrived here. E.R. will thank the President to direct Mr Dandridge to inclose it, after he has read it. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His...
86To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 17 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honor of seeing you this morning, I met with Colo. Nicholas Lutz, of the town of Reading. He has requested me to inform you, that he shall be obliged to you to nominate him to be the inspector of the excise for that district. His son stands recommended to you; but he wishes to take his place. Mr Lutz says, that he is known to you, and is a member of the legislature of...
87To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 20 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that the message of to-day, appears to have given general satisfaction. Mr M-d——n in particular thinks, that it will have a good effect. He asked me, whether an extract could not have been given from Mr Morris’s letter; and upon my answering, that there were some things interwoven with the main subject, which ought not to be promulged, he...
88To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 21 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of informing the President, that he has caused two copies to be made of the laws of the North Western territory, and now incloses them. It was long doubted, whether it was the duty of the Executive to lay them before congress. But upon a closer examination of the ordinance, the propriety of the step flows from the right, reserved to congress, to disapprove...
89To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 22 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of inclosing to the President a copy of the abstract from Mr Short’s letter. Mr Strong, of the Senate, called upon E.R. about half an hour ago, and desired me to mention in his name to the President, that Mr Bradford would be extremely acceptable to many persons, as the Atty General. There is a load of English papers, down to the middle of October, just come to hand;...
90To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 25 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of calling at your house, when Colo. Hamilton was with you, this morning. We have had two conversations upon the subject of the resolution, which, I understand, is not to be sent to you before monday. I am in possession of all Mr Morris’s letters; and was proceeding on them, when my servant brought me word, that my youngest son lies dangerously ill at German Town —This compels...
91To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have examined all Mr Morris’s ministerial correspondence; and after the impression, which I had received from others, whom I supposed to be conversant with it, I am really astonished to find so little of what is exceptionable, and so much of what the most violent would call patriotic. The parts to be witheld, will probably be of these denominations: 1. What relates to Mr G—-t; 2. some harsh...
92To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
Mr Randolph has just had the honor of receiving the President’s letter, which came, while he was dining out. Mr R. writes this note for the consideration of the President. If the resolution was made in the executive character of the Senate; then a resistance in toto seems at present the true path; because they are executive, only on nominations or Treaties; and can call for papers relative to...
93To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 29 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that he saw Judge Wilson yesterday, and Mr Madison last evening. The former, to whom E.R. took an occasion of bringing up the subject of the resolution of the senate in a general Shape, said, that what they might have, he thought, ought to be sent; and what they ought not to have, ought not to be sent. The latter expressed himself thus: “I...
94To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 29 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of inclosing to the President a memorandum from Mr Taylor, accounting for the delay in the commissions, sent to him this morning. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. The enclosed memorandum of this date from George Taylor, Jr., the chief clerk at the State Department, reads: “The...
95To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 31 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
I do myself the honor of informing you, that the executive proceedings of the territory South of the river Ohio, from the 1st of march 1793 to the 15. of June 1793, contain nothing of any importance. I have the honor to be with sentiments of the highest respect, Sir, your most obedient & very humble servant LS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s...
96To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that, as far as he has understood, it is not intended, that a committee should wait upon him, with the resolution; but that it should be transmitted . If this be the case, as it pretty certainly is, no immediate answer will be necessary. Supposing it to be otherwise; namely that a committee are to be the bearers of the resolution Still the...
97To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The bill, drawn by Edward Church on the Secretary of State and accepted by me, amounts to one hundred and fifty pounds sterling. The Secretary of the Treasury is disinclined to pay it out of the monies in his hands. I must therefore request you to give an order for the payment, out of the contingent fund at your disposal. The form of the Order may be somewhat in this shape. “The President of...
98To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 15 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of laying before the President the copy of a proclamation, put into his hands by Govr. St Clair for that purpose. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. The date, which is taken from the letter-book copy, did occur on a Saturday. The docket on the AL reads, “15. Feby 1794.” The enclosed...
99To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 17 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to inform the President of the United States, that he received this morning from Mr Daniel Gaines, of Georgia, two letters offering himself, as the successor of Major Forsyth, late marshal of that district. Mr Gaines refers to the Secretary, as knowing his character; but he cannot call the gentleman to mind. The only thing, which occurs, is, that Mr Gaines...
100To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 19 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of inclosing to the President the draught of a message upon the Representation of the judges—Two copies are sent by the judges. He also forwards a letter from Mr Pinckney, received last night. The cyphered part will be solved this morning; and it is hoped, that it will explain something, which at present is unaccountable—E.R. has a duplicate. AL , DNA : RG 59,...
101To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 19 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor to inform the President, that the subjects within the department of state for consultation, are 1. The form of a message, to accompany Mr Morris’s letters. 2. Whether Mr Pinckney’s last dispatches are to be communicated to congress? and how, if at all? When E.R. came from the President’s this afternoon, the office was shut; but he purposes to notify the gentlemen, as...
102To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 21 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that Fauchet, and Petrie have just this moment left him. They brought sealed credentials; but upon my informing them, that an open copy was necessary for me, they will send it instante⟨r⟩. I am this instant at dinner; but shall wait upon you immediately after—They make the demand; but I told them, that the requisition must be in...
103To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 22 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that he will present Mr Fauchet certainly at 12 o’clock; at any rate rather before than after. Colo. H. could not go over the whole; but he has agreed to look at the parts, to which his attention may be arrested by my cross in the margin[.] To morrow he will do this. The message was advised, as it is now sent. As my carriage is not in town,...
104To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that Mr Hammond replied yesterday, that he had not received the definitive instructions, which he mentioned to Mr Jefferson —E.R. begs the President to send by the messenger the decyphering of Mr Pinckney’s last letter. The body of it has been copied; and the other part is wished for the same purpose; that it may be ready for congress...
105To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of inclosing to the President the draught of a message for the letters of Mr Pinckney, and our commissioners in Spain. E.R. took occasion last evening, to introduce the President’s invitation to the minister Fauchet, omitting the consul, with a view to ascertain the participation, which the latter may have in the functions of the former. It was quickly ascribed by...
106To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that he last night received several bundles from Mr G. Morris; all of them duplicates, except one No. 35 of his letters. This number incloses so lengthy a correspondence between him and the Minister, in French, that it will be almost impossible to have it translated and copied to-day. The President will therefore determine, whether the...
107To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor of submitting to the President of the United States the following observations on the act, providing for the relief of such of the inhabitants of St Domingo, resident in the United States, as may be found in want of support. As soon as the act had passed, a letter (marked A) was written to the Representatives of the several states in Congress. Answers have...
108To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State has the honor to inform the President, that it appears by a letter, just received from Mr Latimer, the representative of Delaware, that the numbers of distressed people from St Domingo in that State probably amount to about an hundred. It is submitted to the President, whether it will not be better to give a sum to them out of the remaining five thousand dollars, rather...
109To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The secretary of State has the honor of reporting to the President on the letter of Mr Short from San Lorenzo, of Novr 6. 1793, as follows: The first paragraph, and several others succeeding, relate to the causes of delay in the departure of Mr Blake. The four marked thus (X) mention, that Spain has furnished a convoy to American vessels against the Algerines; that the answer, promised by the...
110To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 27 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph has the honor of transmitting to the President the extract of a letter, which Mr Brown, of the Senate, has just furnished. He thinks, that he cannot commit it to the public eye, nor would he wish, that it should be communicated to congress officially. He means it only for the private information of the President; tho’ he does not object to its being spoken of, as intelligence,...