For instance, I might perhaps have worked to this day in the ordinary line of experiments, such as depositing special test letters in that office, or sending them to be delivered there, and all to no purpose. They would, for a time at least, have been the object of special care, and particular pains would have been taken for their safe dispatch; while if dishonesty really existed, it would seek out and avail itself of such opportunities as would not be likely to betray it, or to attract the attention of the self-constituted "vigilance committee," which had already sounded the alarm. With such views, I adopted a species of "decoy" which I thought best suited to meet the exigencies of the case. In the first place a document was prepared addressed to an imaginary firm at Rouse's Point, New York. It read as follows: Boston, March 20, 1850. Messrs. Baxter & Clark, Gentlemen, Herewith you will receive twenty-five dollars and fifty cents, the balance of my account, and for which you will please send me a receipt as soon as convenient. When does either of your firm intend to visit Boston? I like the articles you last sent me very much better than the former ones, and so say my customers,--will send you another order before long. Very Respectfully Yours, F. P. CRANE, Jr. Bank notes of a small denomination were used to make up the twenty-five dollars named in the letter, and two American quarters enclosed, to make it more attractive; both bills and specie having been marked, and a full description of them taken. Another letter, written in a different hand, addressed to a lady, and containing nothing of value, was also prepared and placed in a note envelope, to accompany the above _business letter_. Here is a copy of it:-- Boston, March 19, 1850. My Dear Cousin, Since you visited us, we have experienced important changes. Our family is pretty much broken up by George's death. Father and mother depended so much on him to manage our out of doors affairs, that they don't feel like keeping house any longer, and have gone to boarding, and as I shall not have any particular household cares, I expect to be floating about, like many others of the sisterhood of old maids, ready to make myself generally useful. Perhaps I may inflict a visit on you in the course of the summer, and help you to take care of _that baby_. I can't stop to write any more, for we are hardly settled after moving. Father and mother send love to you and husband. Your Affectionate SARAH.