Edmund Randolph letter to John Hatley Norton, 1790 July 24
Creator
Title
Date
Description
Identifier
Folder 202
Original Format
Text
[Page 1]
Philadelphia July 24. 1790
My dear sir
Your two late letters were delivered
to me on my arrival here. But I did not reach this city,
until monday last, after much fatigue, great expence, and
real Dangers by water. However except my wife and two youn
ger children, who are slightly indisposed, we are all in
pretty good health.
I conferred with Betsey on the sub.
ject of W. L's letter. She concurs with me in believing, that
every circumstance in the power of himself promises happi.
ness. But the sense of his father is at least a very desire.
able thing to be known. That he can make an ample pro.
visison for his son, is undoubted; but what prospects from
professional success W. may have, independant of his father's
aid, I shall not decide. The law is overstocked already;
and it will require abilities of a very respectable
rank to obtain a livelihood in that line. I do not mean
by this, that the consent of the old gentleman should be an
indispensable condition ; because a parent can best determine,
how far it may be proper in almost any case to thwart the
affections of his child. But I should suppose, that it
[Page 2]
might be enough to urge W. to bring his father to some
declaration of his assent; and then take such measures, as
prudence may suggest.
I have a house here at 90£
Penna. Money per annum ; where I shall leave my family
and proceed to New-York.
Y[ou]rs very sincerely
& afftely
Edm: Randolph.
[Page 3, blank]
[Page 4]
2 3
John H. Norton esqr
Winchester
Virginia
To be sent to
Alexandria