I was obliged for the future to commit my tables of questions to memory; and endeavour by practice to put down, after the examination of a person, such answers as he had given me to each of them.
Others went off, because it happened that immediately on my interview, I acquainted them with the nature of my errand and solicited their attendance in London.

Conceiving that I had no right to ask them such a favour, or terrified at the abruptness and apparent awfulness of my request some of them gave me an immediate denial, which they would never afterwards retract.

I began to perceive in time that it was only by the most delicate management that I could get forward on these occasions.

I resolved, therefore, for the future, except in particular cases, that when I should be introduced to persons who had a competent knowledge of this trade, I would talk with them upon it as upon any ordinary subject, and then leave them without saying anything about their becoming evidences.

I would take care, however, to commit all their conversation to writing when it was over; and I would then try to find out that person among their relations or friends, who could apply to them for this purpose, with the least hazard of a refusal.
There were others, also, who, though they were not so much impressed by the considerations mentioned, yet objected to give their public testimony.