Memoirs

Hanover, 1798; Boston, 1804: Benjamin True, Hanover; Caleb Bingham, Boston. 2 volumes, 8vo (8 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches). and 12mo (7 x 4 1/2 inches). [2], 9-296; 202 pp. Contemporary sheep, morocco spine labels.

First edition, with the rare second volume, of the memoirs of the notorious counterfeiter.

Burroughs (1765-1840) was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, the son of a Congregational minister, and quickly gained a reputation as a troublesome child. Streeter says, "One of the great criminal autobiographies, and an important piece of picaresque Americana." Prior to his reformation, Burroughs enlisted in the army at age 14, later deserting (truncated) and attending Dartmouth College. After a troubled academic career, he left Dartmouth and fled to Newburyport, where he joined the crew of a privateering vessel, later posing as a ship's surgeon. His next fraud involved teaching and impersonating a clergyman for six months in Pelham, MA, It was there that he was arrested for counterfeiting; his imprisonment did not last long, however, as he escaped from jail in Northampton by burning the building down. Despite being arrested and imprisoned again, Burroughs soon escaped and and fled to Canada, where once again he became involved in counterfeiting. He later became a teacher and was arrested for attempting to seduce one of his female students, and was found guilty by trial. His sentence was to receive one hundred and seventeen stripes on the naked back, stand for two hours in the pillory, sit one hour on the gallows with a rope around his neck, and then be confined in prison for three months, and after being released he must procure bonds for good behavior and pay the charges of prosecution. He suffered about two thirds of his punishment before escaping. Later in life he reformed, joined the Catholic Church, and became a beloved teacher to privileged youth.

Evans 33478; Howes B1022; Reese Federal Hundred 72; Sabin 9466; ESTC W20739; Shaw 5957; Streeter Sale 724. (Inventory #: 40061)