Autograph Letter Signed by a Private Detective to the President of the 1st National Bank of Cooperstown, New York, warning him of a band of thieves intent on robbing his bank

JONES, Thos. P. & Co

Published by New York, 1872

About this Item

Quarto leaf. Old folds from mailing, else about fine. A letter from Thomas P. Jones, Private Detective: "We write to give you some information and also to ask a question. We have every reason to believe that three thieves whom we know are about to visit Cooperstown to commit a raid on the 1st and 2nd National Banks of that place. They mention the names of old Scott and Lee and that they will fix both of them. Are there such banks and are there such gentlemen connected with the banks as we are satisfied that they intend to leave here for Cooperstown on Thursday. We have a man watching their movement and when they leave here we think it will be well to follow them. Please answer at your earliest convenience and advise[?]." We can find evidence of the Private Detective Thomas Plimner Jones operating in New York City in the 1860s through the 1880s; and had previously operated as such in Montreal. Whether this letter was sent to encourage the banker to extend employment to Jones or was just a good deed, is unclear. We rather think the former. In any event, an interesting and evocative letter.

Seller Inventory # 556814

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Autograph Letter Signed by a Private Detective to the President of the 1st National Bank of Cooperstown, New York, warning him of a band of thieves intent on robbing his bank
• Publisher: New York
• Publication Date: 1872
• Binding: Unbound
• Condition: Fine