D^r Sir, Trenton Sept. 26. 1797. M^r Brister, Steward to M^r Adams, the President of the United States, called on me [this] morning, with information, that two or three nights past an attempt had [undecipherable] to break into the Presidents House: that the dogs [undecipherable] people at the next door, M^r Grattan's, some of whom rose, & the villains fled, leaving behind them an iron bar with which [undecipherable] intended to break the doors. This account he [undecipherable] a man who lives [at] M^r Grattan's, [undecipherable] care [he] left his dogs which gave the alarm. M^r Brister said the President directed him to call on me, whenever there was occasion, for advice. He came with his family & other domestics & the President to this place, about the 5^th instant, having lodged the plate at the Bank, [undecipherable]. The house he says is shut up, and as well secured as possible: [undecipherable] but no dwelling house is [undecipherable] from burglars. I told M^r Brister I would [undecipherable] to you as a member of the corp. but that I knew not how the danger of [undecipherable] could be avoided. It was a risque which I contemplated with respect to my own little moveable property, when I left the city; and as he left the [undecipherable] pursuant to the Presidents permission, the [undecipherable] should he [undecipherable] willing to take his chance with others who shut up their houses. At the same time I proposed the city watch was increased, at least doubled, to guard the buildings [undecipherable] from plunder. That if upon the [undecipherable], it appeared proper or practicable to add [undecipherable], the corporation would do it. You will make what use you think proper of this information. I am very truly yours, T. Pickering A Hodgdon Esq