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, |  |
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.
Dear Sir,—The arrival of yesterday's mail has not
enabled me to acknowledge the rect of a favor. Perhaps
the post office may be again in fault.
Our late belief of the arrival of the Defin: Treaty at
N. York has become utterly extinct. From the tenor
of the Newspapers the delay seems to be the effect of
discussions with the Dutch. The inclosed letter from
our friend Hawkins provides for the article of Russian
intelligence. I understand from Mr. Mercer who is
here on business as well as myself that Mr. Dana's
despatches were in part undecyphered when Mr.
Hawkins' transcript was made. The Legislature of
Mats. have sent a memorial to Congress wearing a
very unpropitious aspect on the grant of 1/2 to the
army and in other respects breathing a penurious
spirit which if indulged will be fatal to every establishment
that requires expence. They profess great
poverty, and have declined any decision on the
Revenue propositions of Congs. Rhode Island did
not even bestow a consideration on them. Mr.
H[owel]l from the latter State after being informed of
the course taken by Va. said that her backwardness
very much emboldened the States that were disinclined
to a Genl. Revenue. Congs. have voted Genl.
W. an elegant Bronze Statue. He has been invited to
Princeton as well to relieve him from the tedium
which he suffers on the North River as to make use
of his Counsel in digesting a peace Establishmt. We
shall probably be reinforced by Mr. Jones in a few
will make it proper for your correspondence to be
discontinued.
| The writings of James Madison, | |