~ War Office, August 18^th 1797. — Sir. Your letter to the Secretary of War, and one to me, dated the 17^th inst: are received. You was yesterday, by letter, directed to confine Hamilton the deserter from the artillery; but as he has been candid in his declarations to you, it is the Secretary's wish, that you will let him remain with you a few days, after which, If his behaviour corresponds with his professions, he will be sent to New York or West Point — The lad you have inlisted for a drummer, you will be pleased to retain, and let it be Ramsay's duty to instruct him — In haste — I am, Sir, respectfully. Your ob^t. Serv^t [signature: J. Stagg Jr.] Ensign Wm R. Boote. P.S. I wrote you, yesterday a letter of a private nature. hope you have rec^d it — [Cover address: War Office. / James McHenry / [postal seals] / Ensign Wm. R. Boote. / New Brunswick / N. Jersey] [Docket: John Hagg Esquire / August 10^th 1797.]