Career

He was acting United States Secretary of State for a three-day period from March 4 to March 7, 1825 due to the transition of John Quincy Adams from Secretary of State to President. He served as Chief Clerk for the United States Department of State, succeeding John Graham on September 22, 1817, and remained in that position until August 22, 1833. After leaving the position, he served as United States. Consul to Paris until his death in 1841.

Brent was born in Stafford County, Virginia and died in Paris, France.