Encloses a letter to be forwarded to General [Arthur] St. Clair. Had assumed he would meet St. Clair in New York and that an Indian treaty would be negotiated by St. Clair in April. Plans to remain in Boston until the meeting of the Ohio Company, to be held in March at Providence, Rhode Island. Refers to Ohio Company business, mentioning Captain [Thomas] Hutchins. Mentions the majority by which the United States Constitution was passed in Massachusetts.

Expresses his regret that Knox has rheumatism. Expects that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Discusses several delegates who advocated its adoption. Mentions [John] Hancock's publication in the [Massachusetts] Centinel 2 February 1788, which according to Sargent stated that we should ratify &c. & propose certain Amendments... Asks if General [Arthur] St. Clair will hold a treaty with an unspecified tribe of Native Americans and discusses business of the Ohio Company. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Congratulations Knox on the birth of son. Mentions their friend Platt noting, It appears to me that we have not placed any 'Bars in the way of military Associators' & that soldiers would find it very much to their interests to take their Lands with us... Referring to state ratification of the Constitution, writes French & English war, Dutch Interests & every thing else indeed are giving way to the important Business of the Convention. Mentions Massachusetts delegate Samuel Adams's opposition to ratification. Notes that Connecticut's ratification (9 January 1788) will have a positive influence on Massachusetts' ratification. In a postscript, mentions Elbridge Gerry and Samuel Adams. Knox writes, answered the 20th beneath the docket.

Relates that Massachusetts ratified the Constitution of the United States by a majority of twenty-one. Free stamped on address leaf with no signature.

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.

Later copy. A note at the top of page one states, Recd from Mr. Bancroft Feb 1857. Knox reports, The new constitution was adopted in Massachusetts on the 6th instant by a majority of 19. The whole present 355- 187 for it- 168 against it. The minority behave with magnanimity on the occasion declaring they will support it with their lives and fortunes- The Boston people have lost their senses with joy.

Later copy of GLC02437.03793. A note at the top of page one states, Recd. from Mr Bancroft Feb 1857. Knox relates details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention: On Wednesday the 30th ultimo, Mr. Hancock was well enough to take his seat in the convention. On Thursday he brought forward the proposition for adopting the Constitution, and for recommending certain alterations agreeably to the paper herein enclosed [not included]. The propositions were seconded by Mr. Samuel Adams, and committed to a large committee being Federalists. Notes that the friends of Hancock and [James] Bowdoin have united on the issue. Reports, Handsome things are said of the open and decisive conduct of Mr. Hancock and also of Mr. S. Adams, notwithstanding his neutrality in the first part of the business.