[Private Confidential] Phila. 17 August. 97. Dear Sir. When I passed thro' Brunswick on Tuesday last on my return to Philadelphia, I found a gentleman there, who from several circumstances, and recent information, have led me to suspect that his business there cannot perhaps be altogether proper — His name is Thomas Odiorne, a native of New England — of liberal education, and has lately resided in Philadelphia — Pray keep a watchful eye over him — Observe with whom he associates, and particularly when the passengers arrive in the Stages, if you see him intimate with any particular person (especially a foreigner) endeavor to get a sight of his Way bill and find out his name — I was informed he had been in Brunswick, eight or ten days [strikethrough: &] you do not know him, M^r Vernon ^{the Tavern keeper} may inform you — But do not make any enquiry of M^r V— that may cause suspicion — Communicate to me, as early as possible, any thing that may occur — M^r O — is a thin spare man — Wears a blue coat, and a round hat. Yours very Sincerely. [signed] Jⁿ Bragg Jun^r Ensign W^m R. Boote. P.S. Pray acknowledge the receipt of this letter — forward yours to me under cover to the Secretary of War — He has seen this — Take care not to lose it. [address leaf: Ensign William R. Boote. New Brunswick. | Private Confidential | John — August | [postal seal]]