The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
| II. |
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
THE WRITINGS OF
JAMES MADISON.
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.
My Dear Friend,—Yours of the 28 of June like
the preceding one found me at this place, where my
preparations for leaving Congs. will keep me much of
the remainder of my time. The footing on which
the Impost is placed by the Assembly is not an eligible
one, but preferable to a total rejection. It is to
be regretted that immediate use was not made of the
impression of the letter from Genl. W. The interval
preceding the next Session will give full scope to
malignant insinuations. The reversal of the award
in the case of Nathan may possibly be just in itself;
but it will require all your eloquence I fear to shield
the honor of the State from its effects. The Agency
which the Delegation had in the affair will impart no
small share of the mortification to them. I suppose
the feelings of Mr. Jefferson & Mr. Harrison also will
not be much delighted by it.
Genl. How is here with a corps of N. England
the Mutiny. His only employment will now be to
detect & punish the promoters of it. Congs. remain
at Princeton. Their removal from that place will
soon become an interesting question. Not a few
maintain strenuously the policy of returning to this
City in order to obviate suspicions abroad of any
disaffection in the mass of so important a State to the
federal Govt. and to restore mutual confidence with a
State which has of late been so firm in adhering to
federal measures. It is supposed too that a freer
choice might have been made amg. the permanent
seats offered by the States, than at a place where the
necessity of a speedy removal wd. give undue advantage
to an offer which happened to be in greatest
readiness for immediate use. The Citizens here in
general regret the departure of Congs, disavow the
idea that they were unwilling to take arms in defence
of Congs, and will probably enter into some declaration
tending to invite their return.
We hear nothing from our Ministers in Europe.
The evacuation of N. York, as to the time seems as
problematical as ever. The sending off the negroes
continues to take place under the eyes & remonstrances
of the Inspectors of Embarkations.
| The writings of James Madison, | |