Early Governors' Papers

In answer to your enquiry respecting a skilled engineer, I am not able to recommend any one with the exception of the gentleman I have named who is in the employ of the commissioners for viewing the Muscle shoals. He is well recommended to them, & I trust worthy of confidence. On this point I would refer you to Judge Clay & Doct^r Fearn of Huntsville two of the commiss^rs.

I have also been informed by the U. S. [page damaged]cting as a board of interval [page damaged] as well as by the late secretary of War that the examination of both the objects mentioned in your letter is in contemplation by the U S government. And I learn that the next sesson is assigned as the time for that operation.

I have the honour to be your Excellencys most Obedient Israel Pickens

His Excellency William Carroll.

Paris West Dist Feby 3rd 1828

Dear Genl

I hail you welcome on your return and hope you have had a pleasant trip; but so serious and contradictory are the accounts which we have received of the reception the old Chief met with that we are at a loss what to think of it. One of the New Orleans papers (the Argus) received here yesterday, says the Genl's reception was cold & indifferent, that the streets were comp =aratively deserted as walked them; no demonstrations of Joy or satisfaction welcomed him, except from a few hot =headed partizans &c which makes the administration men of this town (and there are a good many) hold up their heads and exultingly taunt us with disappointment. On the contrary the "Advertiser" says the Gen was welcomed by a greater concourse of people than was ever witness assembled in the City; which I have no doubt is true; also a cousin of mine, a commission merchant of the city writes me that business of every description was suspended during the old heros stay ^among them. Such are the accounts of celebration in New Orleans, and each party believes that which digests best upon his stomach. Mr Clay's pamphlet is another cause of triumph with the Adams