Description:This letter from November 1798 refers to a case involving five people who had been 'detected stealing canal from the Marquis of Stafford's Works at Meirheath'.
The letter written by Thomas Heath deliberates whether the suspects ought to be prosecuted. Despite denying the charges, Heath suggests that the five suspects had stolen without 'any degree of necessity' and ought to be punished to discourage others from stealing. Heath notes that the Marquis of Stafford may 'pardon the offenders', but remarks that his 'clemency' may encourage the suspects to 'commit still greater crimes, adding that in his opinion they were 'guilty'.