New York September 22d 1786 Sir I am informed that John Phelon, the person, or I was in pursuit of has returned and is taken up in Boston — as his return may be a concerted measure to brave any inquiries or evidence trial which may be made respecting him. I have taken therefore the liberty to inclose you the depositions on which the suspicions of him arose, and tho’ they do not amount to such evidence as will convict him; yes I am of opinion that his knowledge of the checks of the office, and his capacity to do mischief is such that as to will inclose your [g]over[n]ment to take exceeding good care of him, to prevent the in ill Consequences which in case he is guilty may require the public — [Editors note: the following phrase not in letterbook copy] as he could have no reason [uncecipherable] in proper one, to have the paper in his baggage, and out of the office I conceive that this circumstance is a sufficient assessment of his guilt — [Editors note: resuming alignment with letterbook] and the his hiding the papers in his mattress evidences the fear of a search — a Letter was sent to him from some unknown person at New York within three days after the discovery was made there, which Letter was [inclosed in a] blank cover to Lieut Howes of Boston — and was received by Phelon on the Saturday following the time it was written on which Phelon the Saturday packed up his whole baggage of every kind, and prepared the same day to set off on his journey as he said to Rhode Island he was however persuaded to stay until sunday but set off on sunday before day and passes thro’ concord where he was seen by one

[Marginalia] 30012 Sep. 22d 1786 Rob. Treat Paine Esqr. Copied Capt Bliss early in the morning — at Littleton a town about twelve miles from Concord he tarryed that day & the following night, to get his Horse shod, but discovered the greatest anxiety to get forward pleading for an excuse that he had a brother sick at Catross, who requested his immediate presence, and it was thought from the description of his person, that he had passed over Lake Champlain for Canada — and but it now appears I am informed that he has returned from the province of Main, is it not extraordinary if he is innocent, that, that Letter should cause in him such an agitation — that he should take such care to prevent a pursuit and such a Circuitous rout for the Eastward — if he was going for a few days is it probable he would have loaded himself with all his papers and baggage? and can it not be known where he has been, his business and whether he has returned with his whole baggage and where [undecipherable] if any not if not [indecipherable] he left it were he has left it? I am informed also that he has considerable property, and that he has said had in money about three thousand Crowns, it this is the case he could not have acquired it by honest means, as any pay or emolument reced for his services, has not been more than sufficient for his support. I hope sir you will not come within pardon the liberty I take in requesting you to attend to his examination and afford your assistance & advise to the authority of the state, in the further steps that shall be taken respecting him. 3-012 [to] Robert Treat Paine Esquire