_Anticipations of Modern Ideas by Defoe_ (Vol. iii., p. 137.).--The two
tracts mentioned by your correspondent R. D. H., and which he states he has
often sought in vain, namely, _Augusta Triumphans_, London, 1728, 8vo., and
_Second Thoughts are best_, London, 1729, 8vo., are to be found in the
_Selection from Defoe's Works_ published by Talboys in 20 vols. 12mo. in
1840. They are both indisputably by Defoe, and contain, as your
correspondent observes, many anticipations of modern improvements. I may
mention that there is a tract, also beyond doubt by Defoe, on the subject
of London street-robberies, which has never yet been noticed or attributed
to him by any one. It is far more curious and valuable than _Second
Thoughts are best_, and is perfectly distinct from that tract. It gives a
history, and the only one I ever yet met with, written in all Defoe's
graphic manner, of the London police and the various modes of street
robbery in the metropolis, from the time of Charles II. to 1731, and
concludes by suggestions of effectual means of prevention. It is evidently
the work of one who had lived in London during the whole of the period. The
title is--
"An effectual Scheme for the immediate preventing of Street Robberies,
and suppressing all other Disorders of the Night, with a brief History
of the Night Houses, and an Appendix relating to those Sons of Hell
called Incendiaries. Humbly inscribed to the Right Honourable the Lord
Mayor of the City of London. London: Printed for J. Wilford, at the
Three Flower de Luees, behind the Chapter House in St. Paul's Church
Yard. 1731. (Price 1s.) 8vo., pages 72."
I have also another tract on the same subject, which has not been noticed
by Defoe's biographers, but which I have no hesitation in ascribing to him.
It is curious enough, but not of equal value with the last. The title is--
"Street Robberies considered. The reason of their being so frequent,
with probable Means to prevent 'em. To which is added, three short
Treatises: 1. A Warning for Travellers; with Rules to know a Highwayman
and Instructions how to behave upon the occasion. 2. Observations on
Housebreakers. How to prevent a Tenement from being broke open. With a
Word of Advice concerning Servants. 3. A Caveat for Shopkeepers: with a
Description of Shoplifts, how to know 'em, and how to prevent 'em: also
a Caution of delivering Goods: with the Relation of several Cheats
practised lately upon the Publick. Written by a converted Thief. To
which is prefix'd some Memoirs of his Life. _Set a Thief to catch a
Thief._ London: Printed for J. Roberts, in Warwick Lane. Price 1s. (No
date, but circ. 1726.) 8vo., pages 72."