4

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.