Nathan Sargent from J.F. Simmons, June 9, 1849

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Providence 9th June 1849

My Dear Sir,

I rec’d your two letters and should have written to Mr. Clayton at once on the rec. of the first --- but for the reflection that it might not serve you to do so --- yr. second came to hand while I was absent, and seeing you thought a letter might do good.  I have written one --- altho I can say nothing in it which is not better known to him than to myself.

I have therefore merely stated that your appt. would be very acceptable to the working men of our Section, in whose behalf you have so long and efficiently labored --- I am under great obligations to you for your kindness in naming me as one of Gen. Taylor’s advisors --- but do not regret that he found a more able and successful man in Penna.  I have enough to do of my own business and should have felt great diffidence in undertaking such a task as your friendship had thought me qualified to perform --- I fear our success in electing a Pres. is not likely to enable the Govt. to do much for the labor of the Country --- without some amendment in their condition from one ascendancy its continuance cannot be hoped for.

I fear that the Govt are in the