Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Receipt to Simon Halstead, Manuscript #MS 1987.5, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Acquisition Information

Purchase, 1987

Biographical Information

John Randolph (1727–January 31, 1784) was an American lawyer in colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. He served as king's attorney for the Province of Virginia from 1766 until the American Revolution. He was also a somewhat reluctant examiner on the board that granted famous American patriot Patrick Henry his licence to practice law in the state of Virginia. Randolph at first attempted to reconcile the rebelling Burgesses with the Royal Governor Dunmore, but when revolution became inevitable he left for Scotland with Lord Dunmore. He believed that to remain during the revolution would conflict with his oath of office, but was sympathetic with its cause. When Randolph died in London in 1784, his last request was to be buried in America. His remains were returned and he is interred in the chapel at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.

Scope and Content

Randolph received 5N from Thomas Claibourne on Halstead's behalf for legal fees in the case of Halstead vs. Halstead.

Arrangement

1 item.

Index Terms

Persons:

• Halstead, Simon, fl. 1773-1782
• Claibourne, Thomas
• Randolph, John, ca. 1727-1784

Subjects:

• Lawyers-Biography
• Lawyers-Fees