Once Gen. LaFayette agreed to the invitation of Governor Israel Pickens to visit Alabama, Gov. Pickens began to make preparations for his visit.
(General Greening of Sparta plans great things for Claiborne):
Sparta Dec. 31st 1824
Dear Sir.
Since my return home, I have conversed with a great number of persons, all of whom express a wish to meet Genl. LaFayette at Claiborne, provided he should honor this state with a visit. And I now address you with this letter for the purpose of requesting, that in making the necessary arrangements for the reception of the General in this state you will be kind enough to furnish the people in this section of the Country with an opportunity of beholding this revolutionary veteran, by landing him at Claiborne. In that event it will become necessary to order out the militia of the Counties of Clarke, Monroe, Conecuh, Butler and perhaps Wilcox and Washington. Information as early as possible should be given of the intended visit of LaFayette, so that the officers could equip themselves, and the troops be allowed sufficient time to rendezvous and be drilled.
Masonic Hall where Gen. LaFayette spoke in Claiborne County, Alabama (by photographer W. N. Manning 1935 Library of Congress)
[film & old pictures] Can you believe the Masonic building where the Marquis de Lafayette was hosted in 1825 is still standing?
On the morning of my departure from Cahawba, you intimated to me a wish that I should meet Gen. LaFayette at the Chattahoochee. Permit me to indulge the hope, that you will detail me for this service, and will place under my command two companies of cavalry. You stated to me that you considered that an escort of officers would appear to better advantage than cavalry. If you intend that military parades shall form a part of the ceremonies of the General’s reception, it will be necessary that the officers should remain at home for the purpose of preparing their respective commands. In addition to this, there will be more uniformity in the appearance, and greater promptness in the movements of cavalry, than in a company of officers. I ought to remark that it cannot be expected that the officers should turn out generally in forming a company.
Claiborne Masonic Lodge was moved to Perdue Hill, Alabama but still exists and has been restored.
With the exception of the state of Virginia, Gen. LaFayette has been escorted almost entirely through the Northern States by cavalry. Should you conclude to order out two companies of cavalry to meet the General at the Chattahoochee, permit me to recommend to your particular notice, the troop of cavalry at Claiborne. Permit me to inquire whether or not, the expenses for forage and provisions will not be defrayed from the State Treasury? I shall expect to be honored with a reply as soon as this letter reaches you.
I am with great respect
Your obt. sert.
Eldridge Greening
(Governor Pickens noted on the back of Mr. Greening letter;) “Ansd. After 4th March Gen L F expected to leave Wash—Apl or May to be expected personal expenses of escorts to be pd by themselves—
Will be happy to give Gen G a distinguished command—Officers to retain their proportinate grades—20 dragroons a few officers Gen Staff &c to go to Chattahoochee other corps to meet at Line Creek—Intend giving those counties a visit of L. F. &c.”
ALABAMA FOOTPRINTS – Volume I – IV: Four Volumes in One
The first four Alabama Footprints books – Volumes 1-IV have been combined into one book
From the time of the discovery of America restless, resolute, brave, and adventurous men and women crossed oceans and the wilderness in pursuit of their destiny. Many traveled to what would become the State of Alabama. They followed the Native American trails and their entrance into this area eventually pushed out the Native Americans. Over the years, many of their stories have been lost and/or forgotten. This book (four-books-in-one) reveals the stories published in volumes I-IV of the Alabama Footprints series.
