[1172] This was the point Washington had made to Randolph. It is interesting that, throughout the debate, Randolph, over and over again, used almost the exact language of Washington's letter.
[1173] Elliott, iii, 23-29. Randolph's speech was apologetic for his change of heart. He was not "a candidate for popularity": he had "satisfied his conscience," etc.
[1174] Madison to Washington, June 4, 1788; Writings: Hunt, v, 124.
[1175] Jefferson to Short, Sept. 20, 1788; quoting a private letter from Virginia of July 12; Works: Ford, v, 431.
[1176] Washington to Jay, June 8, 1788; Writings: Ford, xi, 271.
[1177] Bland to Lee, June 13, 1788; Rowland, ii, 243-44. Evidently the opposition was slow to believe that Randolph had irrevocably deserted them; for Bland's letter was not written until Randolph had made his fourth extended speech ten days later.
[1178] Scott, 160.
[1179] Washington to Jay, June 8, 1788; Writings: Ford, xi, 271.
[1180] From this delay Randolph's enemies have charged that his letter to Clinton was not posted in time. Much as Randolph had to answer for, this charge is unjust. Letters between Richmond and New York sometimes were two or three months on the way. (See supra, chap. VII.)
[1181] Clinton to Randolph, May 8, 1788; Conway, 110-12.