PAPERS IN RELATION TO THE OFFICIAL CONDUCT OF WINTHROP SARGENT. 2D JANUARY 1801...PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
[Washington: 1801]. 29pp, bound into modern marbled wrappers. A duplicate rubberstamp, else Very Good.
"This is Sargent's privately issued defense, printed after he had hurried back to Washington and 'found himself deprived forever of that justice which is due even to the most common criminals'" [Eberstadt]. The official Report of Sargent's dismissal from office, it precedes the Boston printing of the same year. "A little known and valuable pamphlet relating to the MISSISSIPPI TERRITORY" [5 Rosenbach 257].
Ernie Wessen commented extensively on this item: "Rare and most important, with particular reference to the government of the TERRITORY NORTHWEST OF THE OHIO RIVER. Secretary of the Ohio Company; Sargent was secretary of the North West Territory for eleven years, at times serving as Acting Governor, and was commissioned Justice of the Peace, with jurisdiction over the entire territory. In 1798 he was appointed first Governor of the Mississippi Territory. The Federalist found few political friends in Mississippi. With the change of Administration in Washington; his influential political enemies in the Territory lodged charges against him with the result that Jefferson refused to reappoint him in 1801. The principal charge brought against Sargent was that he and his judges had enacted laws without consent of the governed. Herein, in defence, Sargent presents a matchless account of the conduct of the affairs in the old Northwest Territory. Very rare" [100 Midland Notes 346].
In addition to Sargent's plea, the Report contains the Charge to the Grand Jury delivered by Judge Dunbar and the Grand Jury's Presentment. DAB's verdict on the controversy favors Sargent: "His Federalism, impartial enforcement of law, and unfortunate connection with one of the factions in the territory led to such criticism that President Jefferson refused to reappoint him in 1801."
FIRST EDITION. Howes S111aa. AI 1525 [3]. 114 Eberstadt 513 [recording the Boston 1801, 2d ed.]. Not in Clark. Item #19538
Price: $600.00