From Thomas Jefferson to William Brent, 20 January 1804
To William Brent
Washington, Jan. 20. [04.]
Sir
The departure of mr Harvie for Europe within a day or two, will leave the office of my private secretary again vacant. a continuance of the same sentiments with respect to yourself, induces a repetition of the offer, under the possibility that the reasons on your part for declining it may not continue. I shall willingly admit every accomodation which may reconcile the few duties it will superadd to the prosecution of your present pursuits. an answer in the course of a day or two will oblige me. Accept my salutations & best wishes.
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); torn; at foot of text: “Capt. William Brent”; endorsed by TJ in ink on verso.
When it became clear that Meriwether Lewis would step down as secretary to assume command of the western expedition, TJ made an offer of the post to Brent, who had inquired about the position at the beginning of TJ’s presidency. Brent turned it down in February 1803, citing the need to establish himself in business (Vol. 33:241-2; Vol. 39:598n).