Enclosure VI: Edmund Randolph to Thomas Newton, Jr., 19 June 1794
Enclosure VI
Edmund Randolph to Thomas Newton, Jr.
Philadelphia June 19. 1794
Sir
I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to the President of the United States, communicating the collection of a sum of money for the relief of our Captive brethren in Algiers.1 The sensibility, displayed by those, who have contributed, is intitled to great respect. But notwithstanding the interest, which the President takes in the fate and happiness of our suffering fellow citizens, he is of opinion, that he ought to decline any other agency upon the occasion, than what is provided for, and prescribed by the laws. I am Sir with esteem yr mo. ob. servt
Edm: Randolph.
Copy, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters.
1. This letter, dated 3 June, has not been found. GW referred it to Randolph on 11 June ( , 308). In April the Mechanic Society of the Borough of Norfolk solicited contributions for the relief of the American captives at Algiers (Virginia Chronicle, & General Advertiser [Norfolk], 18 April), and Newton probably wrote about the results of that effort.