Sargent, Winthrop (1753-1820) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03651 Author/Creator: Sargent, Winthrop (1753-1820) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 September 1787 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 32.1 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy
Sargent sends the proceedings of a meeting of Ohio Company agents that took place 29 August (refer to GLC02437.03648). Notes that keeping part of their purchase "out of sight" had enhanced the value of the first [1000] shares. Offers Knox his opinions on the appointment of Western Officers for the company. Hopes that he [Sargent] will be appointed secretary. Asks Knox to let him know if there will be a treaty with the Native Americans in the Western Country.
Sargent was appointed Secretary for the Ohio Company in 1787.
[draft]
Boston 2d of Septr
I have my dear Genl delivered your message to Putnam who desires me to inform you that as he can not write you particularly & satisfactorily until October he proposes deferring it until that Period.
I send you the Proceedings of the Ohio Compay at their Agents Meeting on the 29th - I dare say you will believe it to be good Policy for to have kept out of sight a Part of our Purchase to enhance the Value of the 1000 first shares - It certainly makes the Demand for them much greater -
Let me request of you my dear Genl to support our wishes as to the [Bench] when the appointment of Western Officers shall come on - You will observe Varnum now amongst our directors, but you certainly must be convinced that the other Characters I have mentioned to you are [2] every way qualified for Judges without that Eccentricity which distinguishes Varnum & which tho it may make him very agreeable as a Companion would unfit him in the minds of many whom we must consult for the important Office in Question -
I beg you my dear Sir to consider me as writing in Confidence for I do not want the Genl for a Foe & indeed I esteem & regard him & he is of Consequence to me & I believe also to our settlement -
I request you would tell me if there is to be a Treaty with the Indians & when, It would give me Pleasure, provided I go to the Western Country, to be made Secy to the Commission for that purpose as it would make me acquainted with the principal Indians & perhaps give me such Consequence as would infinitely serve myself & Friends here after - as I believe this Business will be very much under your advice & direction I take the Liberty [3] of thus early introducing to you my desires. I beg Leave to present my Compliments & best Wishes to Mrs Knox & your Brother -
With very great Respect
I am my dear Genl
Affectionately yours
W Sargent
[address leaf]
Honorable
Genl Knox
New York
[docket]
from Major Sargent
2d Septr 1787
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