31st August 1812: The Stockport solicitor, John Lloyd, informs the Home Office of his methods of intimidating suspects

Rather private

Sir

In the Case against the murderer of Horsfall & other Depredators committed to York I have obtained a material piece of Information, which, if the Zeal of Mr. Radcliffe the Justice has not marred, I shall avail myself of here — but the doubt I have is that Mr. R. has been taking some steps upon the same Information which was ultimately laid before him — & now if I make any thing out of the Witnesses it must be by suddenly taking them up & running away with them to a distance; a measure I shall certainly take the responsibility of doing, and therefore I am not asking your advice but informing you of the resolution I have formed

I find Mr. Scott valuable Justice — I fear Mr. R. talks too much – He is very resolute & independent and has other good qualities to recommend him — But if I ventured to act without consulting him I am sure to obtain his reprobation in return for my good opinion of him

Your faithful
& obedient

J Lloyd

[To] J Beckett Esqr

[31st August 1812]

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This letter can be found at HO 42/126.