Windsor, Vermont

Provisional Capital of the Republic of Vermont

Upon arriving in Vermont, Mr. Randolph found that the summer climate there was noticeably more pleasant than what he was used to in Richmond. The air, although still warm, somehow felt lighter, the breezes more refreshing. He did not allow the pleasant weather, however, to distract him from the task at hand. He and other members of the delegation (one from Massachusetts, one from Maryland, and one from Pennsylvania) set to work almost immediately upon arrival.

One evening, Anthony Ramsey, one of the close advisors to the president of Vermont, invited Mr. Randolph to dine with him. The food was just as fine as anything he had ever eaten at his brother-in-law’s house back in Virginia. After the last course was finished, Mr. Ramsey pushed his chair back slightly from the table and folded his hands on his stomach.

“You know that your reputation precedes you even here, do you not, Mr. Randolph?”

“Is that so?” Mr. Randolph asked, eager to see where this beginning would ultimately take the conversation.

“Quite so. For my part, I am glad to have someone of your measured sensibilities present. Passions have been flowing at a high tide for some time, I am afraid. In reality, such has been the case for the last twenty years or more.”

Mr. Randolph sipped the brandy that had been served a few minutes before. This, he was sure, was the finest he had ever tasted.

“That’s rather good, wouldn’t you say? Haven’t been able to find anything like it since the war. This was bottled in ‘69 and might very well be the last of it’s vintage. Things were certainly different then.”

“Certainly,” was Mr. Randolph’s only reply.

“Lest it be whispered in your ear later by someone intent on causing mischief, there is something you should know about me, Mr. Randolph.”

Here, Mr. Ramsey paused, waiting for some signal from Mr. Randolph. Not knowing what else to do, Mr. Randolph said, “Go on, please.”

“It has been quite a long time ago now, but not long enough for some. In the beginning, however, I must confess that I supported King George. It did not seem to me that the colonies were quite fit for the sort of liberty after which they so raucously clamored. But now I am a committed patriot to Vermont and want only what is best for her. I hope you can see that clearly, sir.”

“Indeed, Mr. Ramsey, I always try to see the best in a man, and I make no exception in your case. Not a few of those who remained loyal to England in the beginning have now changed their minds. Others have left for Canada or other English realms and I bear them no ill will. They are doing no more than we Americans wanted to do.”

“Very good, very good. I knew I could rely on your discretion.”

Mr. Randolph was not entirely sure what that had been meant to convey, having been relayed in something other than Mr. Ramsey’s tone throughout the earlier parts of the evening. He also thought it odd that his host would be so pleased, when he thought that his words had not really committed him to any particular viewpoint. Perhaps, thought Mr. Randolph, he was more of a politician than he had ever cared to admit to himself.

“I take that as a compliment, Mr. Ramsey. And I thank you again for your hospitality. You have been most kind and most generous.”

“It has been my pleasure to host such a distinguished guest in my home.”

The deference of his host was on the verge of climbing to levels that Mr. Randolph knew would make him uncomfortable were it allowed to continue. “I see that the hour is getting late,” he said. “So I hope you will not think me rude if I retire for the night to my lodgings. It is only a short walk from here, but the discussions from earlier today have left me a little fatigued.”

“Certainly, certainly! Allow me to see you out.”

Mr. Randolph really was somewhat spent at the end of the day, but before he prepared for bed, he told himself that he must pen at least a brief word to Mr. Page. The distance prevented either one of them from being much help to the other, but he knew that his apprentice--no, his partner, now--would want to have news in his words, rather than through the papers.

Dear Mr. Page,

Although I do not know when this letter will reach your hand, I thought it necessary to write at least some brief words about my work so far. I arrived safely in Windsor, the provisional capital, a few days ago. Other members of the delegation from other states arrived before me, having left earlier or having had less distance to travel. For the present, we have no formal agenda, but meet with representatives from the government of Vermont throughout the day, as well as a separate delegation that had been sent from New York. Given the ongoing border dispute between New York and Vermont, the delegation has felt compelled to interpose itself as a sort of mediator.

As you can imagine, the situation is a delicate one. It has been difficult to discern what factions have already formed and what it is, in truth, that they seek. Public pronouncements often mask countervailing private agendas, I think. In fact, just this evening I was invited to have dinner with a man at the very heart of Vermont’s government. You may be surprised to learn that although he remained loyal to England for some time, he is now regarded as a staunch, patriotic Vermonter. I believe he may be one to watch closely as negotiations proceed.

I have nothing much more of interest to report for now, but I hope all goes well with you in managing our practice. Be sure to commission a new sign that has both our names and is to your liking. Georgiana helped me pick the one that hangs outside now and will surely be of help in selecting a new one that befits our new partnership. Give her my thanks and my love.

Joseph Randolph, Esq.

He left ample room for a postscript notation, should anything occur to him before he went to post the letter in the morning. Setting the letter aside on the small writing desk that had been brought into the room at his request, he finished undressing and laid down to sleep.