From John Sargent (unpublished)
London 22d Jany. 1786.
My Dear Sir

It is not long since I addressed a few Lines to you, but I cannot help troubling you with the present, on occasion of this Gentleman, Mr. Ansty, who is my particular Friend, and Relation coming to America, in a sort of Public Character, of whom I may fairly say, without Flattery, that he is a young Man of correct Character, and Parts, and Learning, above the common.

I beg Leave to introduce him to your acquaintance, and to ask your Protection for him, assuring you I shall consider it as a particular obligation, if you will condescend to favor him with a Word of Counsel, and advice now and then, where it may be necessary, which, I can answer for, will ever be received by him with great Deference, and Gratitude, and made use of with the utmost Discretion, and Delicacy.

He will wait upon you soon, in person, from New York, where he is advised to take his Head Quarters, at first. He hath with him only a Secretary, allowed him by the Goverment, and a common Clerk, should he want any other Instruments, it is a Point in which your knowledge of the Country, and Characters may be very  ?  to him, and I will beg Your Leave that he may consult you thereupon.

He is told by Your Plenipotentiary Mr. Adams that there is nothing in the Object of his Mission which can be offensive to your States, and his own Behaviour will always be such as to mark the due respect for them.

I beg Leave to recommend him to the Acquaintances of Your Grandson Mr. Franklin, whom I desire my Wife’s and my kindest regards to. I am ever with all affection and Esteem Dear Sir Your most devoted Friend and humble Servant

J Sargent.

If Mr. Ansty should want any Money while in Your Province, you may if you please assure the Parties who supply him, that his Bills on me, for £500. or £1000, much more than he can possibly call for, will be punctually honoured. p. s. It may not be amiss to mention to you, that Mr. Ansty, after being at King’s College Cambridge, of which he is a Fellow, studyed the Law at Lincolns Inn, where he was called to the Bar, from whence he was invited to this Mission, in which I flatter myself he will do himself credit tho it is an arduous and difficult one.
Addressed: To Dr. Benjamin Franklin Philadelphia
Endorsed: Mr. Sargent 1786
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