To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 22 October 1794
From Edmund Randolph
Philadelphia October 22. 1794.
Sir
There is a report here, that a captain in the militia, who went from Philadelphia, and received the votes of his company, has destroyed the polls. It is added also, that they were unanimous for Swanwick.1
I am told, that some of the furious ones, since the publication of Mr Jay’s and Lord Grenville’s papers, are very absurdly offended, that Mr Jay, instead of negotiating, did not make a peremptory demand of satisfaction and, if it was refused, come away.2
The George Barclay is arrived; but brings no advices, later than we already have, and a duplicate from Mr Jay.3
I have the pleasure to inform you, that Mrs Washington is in good health and spirits. I have the honor, sir to be with the highest respect and affectionate attachment yr mo. ob. serv.
Edm: Randolph.
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. The General Advertiser (Philadelphia) of 23 Oct. reported: “the return of votes from Capt. Seyffert’s company … has been burnt by the person entrusted with it.”
2. Randolph was referring to the publication of John Jay’s memorial to Lord Grenville of 30 July and Grenville’s reply of 1 August. See Jay to Randolph, 23 Aug. (enclosure with Randolph’s second letter to GW of 17 Oct.) and notes; see also Randolph to GW, 20 Oct. (second letter), and n.3 to that document.
3. The ship George Barclay had sailed from London on the morning of 25 Aug., and it brought newspapers from 24 Aug. (Gazette of the United States and Daily Evening Advertiser [Philadelphia], 22 Oct.).