I don't understand this passage from a Sherlock Holmes story (the second stain).
It was only upon my representing to him that I had given a promise that “The Adventure of the Second Stain” should be published when the times were ripe,...
What does Watson mean by "representing to him"?
To render perceptible, make plain or manifest; to communicate to the senses, esp. the sight.
(OED, represent 8(a) )
In this case, Watson is more reminding Holmes of the promise, but the word usually means 'point out'.
I would assume it means the same thing as the verb 'present,' or in this case 'to inform.' See the Online Etymological Dictionary which says:
from L. repraesentare, from re-, intensive prefix, + praesentare "to present," lit. "to place before"
