Early Governors' Papers

Nashville August 9^th 1818.

D^r Sir

The death of M^r Alexander has occasioned a vacancy which must be Shortly filed by your Excellency M^r William Brady I understand is an applicant for that appointment. I have been acquainted with M^r Brady for about two years, and I take much pleasure in assuring your Excellancy [sic] that he is an honorable and upright man, and in every Respect in my Opinion well qualified to discharge the duties of that trust with honor to himself, and advantage to his Country. The patriotism of M^r Brady has been well attested during the late laborious Southern Campaign, and his merit rewarded, by promotion. I make this communication, that the merit of a deserving man, may be inquired into when the selection is about to be made Excuse the liberty I have assumed in addressing you on the subject and accept assurances of my high Esteem

G W Gibbs

Franklin August 10. 1818.

Dear Sir

The vacancy occasioned by the late and melancholy death of the worthy Mr. Alexander will make it necessary I presume that you should appoint a secretary- and I hope that this adress [sic] will receive no other construction from you than that which accords with the spirit in which it is written- that is to communicate what I know of Mr. Brady who I understand is willing to accept of the appointment- I believe Mr. Brady to be qualified for the discharge of the duties of that office.- I think him a man of more than common talents also that he is a man of integrity, and that his habits and manners are those of a gentleman- Such also and his social qualifications as to render him an interesting, and highly agreeable official relation in the excutive family.

Franklin, Aug^t 10^th 1818-

Dear Sir,

I am very much engaged, but presume to drop a hasty line to you on the sub= =ject of a successor to our late friend Alexander,- M^r Brady has claims to y^r consideration which I hope will be taken into view- he is a gentleman of excellent talents, he possesses in my opinion all those qualifications which would enable him to discharge the duties of the office with credits to himself and advantage to the Country- In addition to this; he has made himself what he is, and such men deserve patronage- y^rs respectfully

Felix Grundy

D Sir

I am afflicted to hear of the death of the Secretary. his place is vacant, and Co^lo Brady is willing to fill it. I can speak of his qualifications in point of literature, he has lived with me. he has a collegiate edu cation and is by profession a lawyer. He is well versed in legal historical and other useful learning- As to the de pendence to be placed on him I can say that in his private deaings he is very exact and punctual. His [?] services in the army in the late expedi tion has rendered him as I understand very popular and dear to the soldiers I think Sir the appointment of him to the Office in question will be bene

Franklin August 10^th 1818-

D^r Sir,

William Brady Esq has signified to me a wish to be appointed secretary of state. It is with pleasure that I have an opportunity of promoting the views of M^r Brady in this respect, by recommending him to your excellency; which I can do consistentely with my judgment as well as feelings. In regard to talents, I consider him fully qualified for the office. As to character, his is beginning to unfold itself with the most pleasing anticipations of future useful -ness and celebrity. And as to his habits, they are moral and industrious.-

Y^r friend and obd^t. servant.-

Tho^s Washington Jr.