Major Sargent 14 January 1789 Marietta 14th of January 1789 Maj. Sargent Dear Sir The Death of Judge Varnum will I suppose again bring into view, candidates for office in this Territory General Putnam & Mr. Cullen – they are of worthy Charac- ters & stand high in my Estimation – but altho’ their Merit entitles them to the Consideration of Congress, & as past Measures have convinced me that there may be Competitors of such Interest & Influence as to make the Election of either of them a very doubtful Point – I should think that General Putnam from military Connexions would have the best Prospect of Success In Case of his Appointment to the Office of this Territory we should be without a Judge of Probate which is now held by Putnam – & I should imagine this reason would even comport with his denial & scholastical Views, & also leave him Leisure for those mature Researches of Which he is so capable And as the Governour is a Man of strictest Respecta- bility I am acquainted with Mr Cullen’s Abilities there must be no Doubt I think of his having it should Genl. Putnam be promoted— I wish my Drafting this be no Impropriety in this Request to ask your aid in this Business for I have no Influence with the Gentlemen of Congress to bargain. I am with [indecipherable] Respect Yours affectionately W Sargent