Autograph letter signed : "Crown Point, Norfolk", to Sir James Pulteney, 1809 Apr. 17.

Offering an alternative to flogging for Army deserters; proposing "to Tatoo the Culprit with Gunpowder and Oil with the Letter D on his left shoulder and the number of the Regiment on his Right; the inclosed postscripts to a short treasure I published on the defence of the Country when there were apprehensions of an Invasion will fully explain the mode of doing it, the operation gives little or no pain. - There is not Sir a Military Man from the General to the Recruiting Officer, not a Magistrate to whom this has been mentioned who does not entertain a favorable opinion of it. They think it will in a great measure put a stop to Desertion, for no man then properly marked can ever get rid of it, or hereafter offer himself to a recruiting party, for he will not only then be detected as a Deserter but it will be seen from what Reg't he deserted, frequently it happens from that men in Villages are apprehended on Suspicion and for want of proof positive they are discharged. This can never be the Case when Deserters are marked;" suggesting that a bill before the British House may be a more effective way of implementing this change; asking for his support for the Bill should one be proposed."