Nathan Sargent from Henry Clay, Apr. 16, 1849

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Ashland 16th April, 1849

My dear Sir,

It would have afforded me very great pleasure to have seen your name among those who have received appointments to public office under the new administration.  I hope get to see it. I am persuaded that if the President were as well acquainted with your merits as I am, that you would receive the appointment of the Head of a Bureau, or some equivalent office in one of the cities.

I have known you upwards of twenty years. During all that time you have faithfully, ably & zealously supported those principles which brought the present administration into power. Few Whigs have exhibited great ardor & [text missing] in the cause. And I recollect an instance of rare disinterestedness in your career which cannot be too often mentioned, or too highly praised.  In 18[text missing] you held an office to which a good salary was attached. Believing, as you did, that it was not necessary to the public interests, you advised the discontinuance of the office. It was accordingly discontinued, & you consequently lost the employment & the salary. The office was afterwards renewed by Mr. Taylor to provide for one of his supporters.

If you suppose that my recommendation or wishes would have any influence at Washington, you are at liberty to use this testimonial by showing it to the President or any of the Heads of Departments.

I am your friend & obedient servant
H. Clay

Mr N. Sargent