Autograph Letter Signed

Major Sargent discusses territorial judges

Letter, discusses appointees for Judge of Territory.

Ltr, dis appointees for judge.

1789

01

14

Marietta

Henry Knox

Winthrop Sargent

General Putnam

Cullen

Secretary at War

Marietta

worthy characters & stand high in my estimation

merit entitles them to the consideration of Congress

measures have convinced me

Competitors of such Interest & Influence

election

doubtful point

military connexions

best prospect of success

Appointment to the office of the territory

judge or Probate

Researches

abilities

promoted

impropriety

business

Gentlemen of Congress

death

candidates for office in this Territory

1789011440001

1

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