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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO EDMUND RANDOLPH, SECRETARY OF STATE. - George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, vol. XII (1790-1794) [1891]

Edition used:

The Writings of George Washington, collected and edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford (New York and London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890). Vol. XII (1790-1794).

Part of: The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.

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TO EDMUND RANDOLPH, SECRETARY OF STATE.

Sir,

I have read the draft of your letter, intended as an answer to the British minister’s reply to Mr. Pinckney’s memorial, on the instructions of the 8th of June, 1793. Those of the 6th of November following stand unconnected with the subject.

It is essential, that all the cited cases should be correct, and that the general statement should be placed on uncontrovertible ground; otherwise the argument will recoil with redoubled force.

Close attention being given to these matters, and the ideas expressed without warmth or asperity, if upon a revision such should be found to have intermingled, I see no objection to the particular answer which is prepared. I am, &c.1

[1 ]Randolph had first submitted his letter to Hamilton, who had noticed a “tartness of language” that was not advisable. “Before I began to write, I asked Mr. Jay, whether he would prefer that the subject should be left as it is, or taken up by me in the way of refutation. He thought that it was better to enter upon a refutation of Mr. Hammond’s memorial. Mr. Jay will otherwise be obliged to do the same thing himself. And I cannot conceive that a foreign minister ought to press upon the Secretary of State doctrines of great prejudice to the U. S.—and that the Secretary should remain silent, as if he were afraid or could not answer them.”—Randolph to Washington, 28 April, 1794.