Dobbs 27th. July 1777
Dear Sir
I have received Sundry Affidavits from Edenton respecting the Conduct of Mr. William Brimage, who is Charged with being Active in the late Conspiracy against the State and conserned in Sundry in sundry Treasonable practices it appears to me beyond a doubt that he has b[een] One of the Formers of their diabolical plan—Therefore in order to bring him to Justice, if it Is not already taken I am to request you do immediately Apply to Colo. Bryan if it be Practicable and request he will send a party of the Craven Militia immediately to Apprehend & bring Mr. Brimage back to New Bern from on Bord the Brig Commonly called (the Tory Brig) if Colo. 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, as your Supr. Officer 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 perswade myself any Magistrate will grant a Warrant, I do not know what County whether Carteret or Currituck may be the Place where the Vessel lyes in or I would write particularly to the Magistrates there, whoever goes, let this Letter go with them & 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 apprehind will be Sufficent for detaining him in Close Goal till this Tryal, Secrecy is necessary in the present Case, a word to the wise enough, Pleas to let me hear from you on this Subject so soon as Convenient
I am &c
Co. Letr. to Major
Barron—
27th. July 1777