MR. TUCKS FILE OF LETTERS. 33 



his quarter, collected much information & brought in a number of 

 counterfeit Bills that can be traced to ye rogues in & about Stanstead. 

 I have formerly solicited his particular attention to that quarter, at the 

 same time informing liim that I could not guarantee any compensation 

 but presumed he would be indemnified for incidental expences of tills 

 nature, & Mr Peabody assured me last summer that, if anything eflTect- 

 ual could be done at Canada, I might inform the prosecutors at Bos- 

 ton. Mr Woodward's agency should be continued & compensated by 

 ye N. H. Banks. From M^ W's situation, interest & assiduity in the 

 cause, this was supposed of considerable consequence. Since the dis- 

 closures of the extent of the combination of ye counterfeiters & the 

 full proof that their principal seat & great mint was at and about Stan- 

 stead, I have been decidedly of your opinion that nothing effectual 

 had or would be done towards a radical cure, till they were broken 

 up in that quarter by the concurrent aid of the Government of Can- 

 ada. You will perceive what is & judge what may & ought to be done 

 in that quarter. If any thing, I will suggest some observations which 

 can in no event be worse than idle. They will however be delivered 

 with much confidence in their utility & practicability. I propose — That 

 some person be furnished with Letters from the Governor of Massa- 

 chusetts & such other persons of distinction as may be deemed neces- 

 sary, & vested with as much discretionary power as may be judged 

 proper. That he repair to Montreal as soon as may be, to advise with 

 & aid the Governm* of that place in the prosecution. That he en- 

 deavor to procure a Law in that province for the apprehension of 

 Criminals who may have fled from any of the United States. 



If arrests are made at Stanstead or elsewhere in Canada, that He be 

 present, & be instructed, should any important disclosures be made, 

 to communicate immediately to the Atty Gen^ of any state, or first to 

 Boston, if that's best, every thing that may require attention in N. 

 Hampshire, VerS Conneticut, N. York or elsewhere. I mention these 

 states because they have evidently there connexions with y® Stan- 

 stead rogues. 



That he have the liberty and the means, particularly, of sending on 

 a friend into the garrison itself, before ye aitack, to watch movements, 

 collect evidence & communicate particulars before the onset; and 

 to select men of spirit & vigilance in the vicinitj' to assist in the ar- 

 rest, — common means & ordinary Bailifls will not answer. One near 

 Stanstead (by the name of R . . .) is evidently of the Gang. 



The apprehension of Stephen Burroughs with a few of the Ring- 

 leaders (several of whom there is evidence ag* in this state) I appre- 

 hend would fully answer the purpose. If, from this prosecution, 

 there should transpire nothing which would, without much expence, 

 lead to the conviction of some leading offenders in the states I have 



ESSEX INST. BULLETIN, VOL. XX. 3 



