Speakeasy, James Deering: Working Around Prohibition

Dear Mr. Chalfin:–

At the risk of repeating, I want to remind you that Atkinson & Burdine have no knowledge of the quantity of articles of consumption that we are shipping, and if possible I should like to conceal the fact from them and everybody else. You can imagine how much gossip would go through that little community if the truth were known. Since it is you who will have the responsibility in connection with the matter, I suggest that you write them, or better, a personal letter to Judge Atkinson, so marked on the envelope, telling him what your arrangements are and, as nearly as you can guess, when the schooner is likely to arrive. If the sheriff should seize the goods, then, according to Judge Atkinson, it would be our business to replevin them, and, in his opinion, we could undoubtedly do this under the law. Of course, you and I know that judges do not always follow the law, especially if the law is unpopular. I do not know whether there would be any jury involved in such a case. If so, we could never know where we would come out. In your letter to Judge Atkinson it would be well for you to ask him if he or you would need any power of attorney from me to bring suit in my name and to avoid the necessity of my going to Florida in any case. I do not wish to go in my present condition if it can be avoided. If a power of attorney to him would do, this would be better. As he is my recognized attorney, very likely nothing would be required either of you or me. In any case, we ought to fully prepared to act promptly.

Yours sincerely,

[signed] JD