dered the place to Patrick Henry:--

MOUNT VERNON, 9 October, 1795.

DEAR SIR,--Whatever may be the reception of this letter,
truth and candor shall mark its steps. You doubtless know
that the office of state is vacant; and no one can be more
sensible than yourself of the importance of filling it with
a person of abilities, and one in whom the public would have
confidence.

It would be uncandid not to inform you that this office has
been offered to others; but it is as true, that it was from
a conviction in my own mind that you would not accept it
(until Tuesday last, in a conversation with General Lee, he
dropped sentiments which made it less doubtful), that it was
not offered first to you.

I need scarcely add, that if this appointment could be made
to comport with your own inclination, it would be as
pleasing to me, as I believe it would be acceptable to the
public. With this assurance, and with this belief, I make
you the offer of it. My first wish is that you would accept
it; the next is that you would be so good as to give me an
answer as soon as you conveniently can, as the public
business in that department is now suffering for want of a
secretary.[459]

Though Patrick Henry declined this proposal, he declined it for
reasons that did not shut the door against further overtures of a
similar kind; for, within the next three months, a vacancy having
occurred in another great office,--that of chief justice of the
United States,--Washington again employed the friendly services of
General Lee, whom he authorized to offer the place to Patrick Henry.
This was done by Lee in a letter dated December 26, 1795:--

"The Senate have disagreed to the President's nomination of
Mr. Rutledge, and a vacancy in that important office has
taken place. For your country's sake, for your friends'
sake, for your family's sake, tell me you will obey a call
to it. You know my friendship for you; you know my
circumspection; and, I trust, you know, too, I would not
address you on such a subject without good grounds. Surely
no situation better suits you. You continue at home, only
[except] when on duty. Change of air and exercise will add
to your days. The salary excellent, and the honor very
great. Be explicit in your reply."[460]

On the s