1

Nashville 11^th August 1818.

Sir,

I am informed that Col Brady is an appli
cant for the appointment of secretary
of our state. I have known Col Brady for
several years, and have observed on
his part a deportment, in every respect
perfecty correct. It is well known that
by his own efforts, without the counte
nance or favour of relatives or friends
he has since his residence in Tennes
see, greatly improved his education
and enlarged the sphere of his infor
mation for which I think he
deserves the applause of every friend
to virtuous exertion and unassist
ed merit. I have no doubt but
that Col Brady, if appointed the suc
cessor of M^r Alexander will dis
charge the duties of secretary of
state to your entire satisfaction.

Last winter I was requested by
Col Brady to address a letter to
Genl A Jackson in his favour
which I did with pleasure, and
Col Brady rec^d an honourable
command in the late expedition
to the south. I have reason to beleive [sic]
that Genl Jackson was pleased
with Col Brady & that you will
have from him ample testi
mony of the merits of Col Brady
and also from other meritorious
officers engaged in that service

very respectfully
your obt servt

Alfred Balch.

Excellency
Govr M^cMinn.