Memoirs of the Notorious Stephen Burroughs

Burroughs was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1765. He ran away when fourteen years old and joined the army, but deserted and entered Dartmouth, where he was involved in all sorts of mischief. He left College, went to sea as a privateer's man, and then impersonated a ship's physician. Returning to land, he became a school-master, and then, assuming the name of Davis, took charge of a Congregational church at Pelham, Massachusetts. He preached sermons borrowed from his father there six months without detection, but was then discovered. He was convicted and imprisoned at Northampton, where, he set fire to the jail and was then removed to Castle Island, Boston harbor. Even from this place he escaped, but was recaptured and served out his term. He then went to Canada, where he was for years the head of a gang of counterfeiters. Later in life he reformed, united with the Roman Catholic church. He was successful as a teacher, beloved by his pupils, and respected by all, notwithstanding his career.