The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-04-24

A SECRETARY OF THE PAsT.-The Lynch
burg Viruinian reproduces the following
letter OF Thomas Jefferson, showing how
much more simple were the office and sur
roundings Ct Mr.. Jcfferson's private secre-
a tary than these Of that officer OF the present
day: .,,
A. -Bur,CeN: Dear Sir,-Mr. Harvie, my
late secretary, having concluded to enter
shortly on the practice OF the law, and found
it necessary to fix himself i'll the study OF q
practicing lawyerto learn the rules OF plead
ing, took the liberty in the latter end OF
March Of addressing letter to you on the
supposition that you might by possibility
be willing to take his place, and exchange
your country residence for that OF Wash
ington. Though the emoluments are not
considerable enough to be an object,
(being 600 D. year, board OF course,
&c., yet the labors OF it are inconsider-
able also. / do my own writing in
great degree, and copy with the machine, SO
that give secretary little to do in that way.
The duties, indeed, resemble more those OF
nm aide-de-camp, to wit: TO take care OF the
company, and sometimes transact matters IN
the city which require personal conference.
These are SO inconsiderable as to be no OBJ
'struction to any course Of reading gentle
man wishes to pursue. A servant OF the
house would attend you, and horse always
at your service, unless you had Partially
for any particular horse or servant OF your
own. AS expected to return to Washing
ton the beginning Of this month asked the
favor OF an early answer, and II you should
determine to accede to my wishes asked
your meeting me either here or at Washing
ton by that time, II convenient. Having re-
r 1aff 81
have miscarried, and trouble you with an
other, requesting amore speedy answer, mas
much as I set out tomorrow for Washington,
and shall be alone there. With assurances OF
the pleasure 1t will give NE should this over
ture be acceptable, pray you to receive my
friendly salutations and best wishes.
9TH. JEFFERSON"
The simplicity and freshness evinced in
describing the salary and duties OF the office
smack Of the primitive era and the modest
office of ga servant Of the house and horse !"
to be at the command of the secretary-un-
less he should prefer a servant and horse Of
his oWn--prescnt contrast almost ludi-
crous to the gorgeous trapplngs, power, and
perquisites which belong 70 tho Office ut the
present day.
The Virginiar informs us that Mr.. Bur-
we'll, who was gentleman Of large fortune
and highly cultivated intellectual tastes,
went to Washington with his own carriage
and horses and kept them at his own eX-
pense till the expiration OF his term OF
office. Strange to say, his coachman, as
well as the latter's wife, live to t"'' r
ana aai shoush over ~..u.5y years OF age re-
-....u.r distinctly the incidents OF that
long-ago period. Mr.. Burwell subsequently
became member Of Congress, and his
death was announced on the floor OF the
House OF Representatives on the 18th
of February, 1921; and in accord
ance with his dying request, on motion
Of his colleague, Hon. Hugh Nelson, q COM
mittee was appointed to cause his rem-.ns
to be removed to Baltimore for irterment.
The sad event was thus noticed in Mes
Reqister "Mr. BurwelPs late wife was OF
Baltimore, and her remains lie in this city.
he wished that his might be placed by the
side Of hers. He was about iorty-siy years
OF age, and for fifteen years or more had
been 8 member OF Congress. He was not a
man who talked much, but he thought great
deal, and is more severe loss to the coun-
ellis OF his country than some scores Of
speakers would be. He was most elevated
and amiable gentleman, man rarely to be
met with.
Mr.. Burwell was the father OF Mr.. Will
liam III. Burweil, Of Bedford county, Va,
now Of New Orleans, and formerly the ed-
tor OF De Boar's ReUis,o, and has also been
connected with other journals, and is one
ef the most distinguished writers and
speakers OF the day.-Baitimore Sun.