1From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 8 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2d Ultimo came duly to hand. A tedious and painful disorder which deprived me for many Weeks of the use of my pen, and which consequently required the greater exertion of it when I was able to set up, is the best apology I can make for not having acknowledged the receipt of the above letter sooner. The list of associates who purchased 100 Tickets in the lottery of the...
2From 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...
3From 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...
4From 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 .
5From 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...
6From 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,...
7From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
In reply to the wish expressed in your letter of this date, to go to Philada on monday next, I can only observe, that my concurrence therein will not be withheld if there are no obstructions of an official nature; and this you can best ascertain yourself. I would however, just mention, that as it may be necessary for me, in pursuance of the law to regulate trade & commerce with the Indian...
8From 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...
9From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 3 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I learn with pleasure, by your letter of the 26 ultimo, that the person supposed to have been the principal in the murder of the two Indians on pine-creek has been lodged in Lancaster gaol, and that it is very probable all the offenders will soon be apprehended. I cannot avoid expressing my wish that the proceedings, in bringing these persons to justice may be such as will vindicate the laws...
10Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The President has desired me to transmit to you the enclosed containing a copy of a bill exhibited in the High Court of Chancery of Virginia relative to certain lots drawn as prizes in Colonel Bird’s lottery, and to request that you would take some opportunity to remind him of the business, and do the necessary in it before his departure from this place. The President thinks he shall be too...
11From 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...
12Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 9 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
[Philadelphia] 9 July 1791. By the president’s command, returns the enclosed letter with the thanks of the president for the attorney generals attention in submitting it for his perusal and notes that “The President expresses his pleasure at its contents.” LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed letter has not been identified.
13From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 September 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 10 Sept. 1791. Randolph wrote to GW on Monday, 12 Sept. , of “your communication to me on Saturday last.”
14From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 10 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
By the Post of Friday, I received your communications of the first instant; and from the character of Mr Campbell am glad to hear he is disposed to act as Attorney for the District of Virginia; & that you had forwarded the Commission to him for that purpose. Also, that a pardon had been sent to Saml Dodge as it appears that his errors were unintentional. It is my wish & desire that you would...
15Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 31 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of this date ⟨requesting to⟩ be informed whether you understood the President rightly upon the following points respecting ⟨the demoliti⟩on of Mr Carroll’s House. Questn 1: Whether payment could be ordered to Carroll for ⟨more⟩ of his House than was run up, when he executed his ⟨agreement?⟩ Answr upon this point the Attorney General’s opinion is desired....
16Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 10 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The President directs me to offer you his sincere condolence for the loss of your sister—to which permit me, my dear sir to add mine. The President thinks it would be best for you to take an opportunity of conversing with Mr Ellicot respecting Mr Carroll’s house, before you send him your opinion on the subject, as he wishes every information to be had that can be obtained respecting it. The...
17From 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...
18From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 3 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Mount Vernon Sep. 3d 1792. Since my last to you dated the 26th of Augt—I have been favoured with your letter bearing the same date, covering Mr Bordley’s “Sketches on rotations of Crops[.]” Permit me, through you to offer him my sincere thank for this instance (among many others) of his politeness. The subject is interesting and important, and as soon as I have leizure, for...
19From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 1 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
It is highly important that the proceedings in the Indictments of those who have opposed themselves, unwarrantably, to the Laws laying a duty on distilled spirits, should be placed on legal ground & prosecuted properly; it is my desire therefore that you will attend the Circuit Court at York Town, to be holden the of this Month and see that, that business is conducted in a manner to which no...
20From 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...
21From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
The Hostile Indians having requested that all the Treaties which have been entered into with the several Western & Northern Tribes, may be produced at the proposed meeting at Sandusky. Therefore in order, that the Commissioners, for the proposed treaty, should be fully informed on the subject of their mission, it would be proper, that a summary view, should be formed of all the Treaties which...
22From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 28 February 1793 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 28 Feb. 1793. In his letter to GW of 28 Feb. , Randolph wrote that he “did not receive the letter, with which you honored me this morning, until my return from the Statehouse at 4 O’clock this afternoon.”
23From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 22 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
I send you a letter of the 26th Ulto from William Bingham Esquire to the Secretary of the Treasu[r]y 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 U. States in Congress assembled have transferred from Mr Bingham to the public the consequences of the transaction in question so as...
24From 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...
25From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 18 May 1793 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, c.18 May 1793. Randolph wrote GW on 18 May , “I was from home, sir, on the business of your letter, when you did me the honor of stopping at our house.”
26From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 30 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
The continuation, and spreading of the malignant fever with which the City of Philadelphia is vis[i]ted, together with the absence of the heads of Departments therefrom, will prolong my abode at this place until about the 25th of October—at, or about, which time I shall, myself, (if the then state of things should render it improper for me to carry my family) set out for that City, or the...
27From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 14 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the copy of a Letr I wrote to you agreeably to the date—since which I have received yours of the 3d instt—which shews it had not at that time got to your hands. I sincerely hope your son Peyton is in no danger from the sick person he saw, and that the rest of your family, wherever they be, are in good health. Are you certain that the disorder of which the persons in German town...
28From 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...
29From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 24 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
(Private) ⟨My⟩ dear Sir, Philadelphia Decr 24th 1793. It was my wish, for many reasons (needless to enumerate) to have retained Mr Jefferson in the Administration to the end of the present Session of Congress, but he is so decidedly opposed to it that I can no longer hint this desire to him. I now wish for your permission to nominate you to it the Office of Secy of State and will add that your...
30From 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.”
31Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Edmund Randolph, 21 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s order Bw Dandridge transmits to the Secy of State, the draft of the Proclamation in order that it may be copied for the Presidents signature, after wch the President wishes the draft to be returned to him. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. The enclosed draft of GW’s proclamation of 24 Feb. has not...
32From 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...
33From 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...
34From 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...
35From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 11 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
The fruit of the Democratic Society begins, more and more, to unfold itself. You will report what is necessary to be done with the specimen of it which I herewith send; as it is not only addressed to the Executive, but to the Legislat⟨ure also⟩. Yours ⟨ mutilated ⟩ AL[S] , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, GW’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. The text in the...
36From 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...
37From 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...
38From 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...
39Enclosure: David Rittenhouse to Edmund Randolph, 22 May 1794 (Washington Papers)
An opportunity now offers of purchasing for the Mint about one Ton of wrought Copper, at the moderate price of 16 pence, Pennsylvania money. It is said to be of good quality and sufficient thickness, so that it need not be melted, but only cut & rolled down to the Cent size. Though we have still a considerable quantity of Copper at the Mint, yet as the above price is much lower than it can be...
40From 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...
41From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 19 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
At five oclock this afternoon I reached this place, and shall proceed on in the morning. Mr Adams’ Commission, as Minister Resident to the United Netherlands, was signed, if I recollect rightly, before I left Philadelphia. If his letters of Credence are forwarded to me by the Post, they also shall be signed & returned to you; to supersede the necessity of his waiting for them in case every...
42Enclosure III: George Hammond to Edmund Randolph, 18 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your letter of this date, inclosing the President’s determination with respect to the space of twenty four hours to be allowed to elapse from the departure, from Ports of the United States of vessels belonging to one of the belligerent Powers previously to their being followed by ships of war or other armed vessels belonging to another belligerent Power: but...
43Enclosure V: George Hammond to Edmund Randolph, 19 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of this date, it is only necessary for me to remark, that as you have not stated to me any principle whatsoever; relative to the sailing from ports of the United States of the vessels of nations hostile to each other, that can have dictated the Presidents determination on this point of the 16th cur[ren]t (and announced to me on the 18th) which ought not to have...
44From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1794 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : to Edmund Randolph, 21 June 1794. Randolph wrote GW on 27 June : "The appointment of Mr Pickering, which is mentioned in your favor of the 21st instant from George Town, was noted in my report on the laws."
45From 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,...
46Enclosure I: Jean-Antoine-Joseph Fauchet to Edmund Randolph, 18 June 1794 (Washington Papers)
(Translation) Sir, Philadelphia 30 Prairial 2 year of the French Republic one & indivisible. (18. June 1794) I have this moment received a letter from the Consul of the French Republic, at Boston, informing me that his suspicions relative to the conduct of Mr Gore have been realised—notwithstanding the opinion of the attornies, notwithstanding the opinion of C. Sullivan, notwithstanding even...
47From 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...
48From 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...
49From 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...
50From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 8 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have this instant received your note of even date with this, and desire if the request of the Attorney-General accords with the unanimous sentiments of yourself and the other two Secretaries, the power may be sent agreeably thereto. I request also, that all the information that can be obtained from the Inspector Neville & the Marshal, may be had as soon as they shall have arriv’d in the City;...