Dear Sir:—

I have received sundry affidavits from Edenton respecting the conduct of Mr. William Brimage, who is charged with being in the late conspiracy against the State, and concerned in certain treasonable practices. It appears to me beyond a doubt that he has been one of the powers of their diabolical plan. Therefore, in order to bring him to justice, if he is not already taken, I am to request you do immediately apply to Col. Bryan, if it be practicable, & request he will send a party of the Craven Militia immediately to apprehend & bring Mr. Brimage back to Newbern, from on board the Brig, commonly called the Tory Brig. If Col. Bryan is not in the way, you will be pleased to consider this letter as an order to you to discharge this duty. Major Tilman, if he is in the way, you will please to shew it. But at all events let the service be done. I would recommend it to the officer who goes down to obtain a warrant from the Civil Power. I mean a Justice of the Peace, for apprehending Mr. Brimage. On this letter being shewn I persuade myself any Magistrate will grant a warrant. I do not know what County, whether Carteret or Currituck may be the place where the vessel lies in, or I would write particularly to the Magistrates there. Whoever goes, let this letter go with them, and I hope the service so essential to the supporting our present constitution will be performed. When he is taken, I will furnish testimony, which, I apprehend, will be sufficient for detaining him in close gaol till his trial. Secrecy is necessary in the present case. A word to the wise is enough. Please to let me hear from you on this subject as soon as convenient.