14 Decr 1801

Maximum

2

respects not altogether void of rationality, nor decidedly desirous of seeing the

bonds of society burst asunder or dissolved – those bonds which for their hold

/binding force/ depend altogether as much upon the prosecutor and informer as

upon the Judge, the character /denomination/ /term/ of the informer, is to the

disgrace of the age, still a denomination of disgrace. It is a blessing for

mankind wherever as here the kingdom of senseless and mischievous prejudice is

divided against itself: by this means the wretch called an informer, who in

another case would not be endurable may obtain a sort of toleration, in

consideration of the use he is of in bringing down the public vengeance

/directing the slander[?]/ upon the head of the still worse /more obnoxious/

wretch, the seller of corn at a high price.