Chapter I: To the Right Hon. Henry Dundas (Viscount Melville)

Right Honble. Sir

You are no doubt acquainted with my misfortunes. Extracts of the
proceedings against me are sent to London by my friends to
endeavour to procure a Remission or an Alteration

(From the original in Dr. David Laing’s collection of MSS. in the Edinburgh University Library.)]

of my Sentence. But 1 believe little respect is paid to such
Aplications unless supported by respectable Personages. With which
view I now most humbly Beseech your interposition and interest in
support of this aplication making at London in my behalf and if
possible prevent me from suffering an Ignominious Death to the
disgrace of my numerous conections, even if it were to end my days
at Bottony Bay.

I have wrote more fully upon this subject to His Grace the Duke of
Buccleugh.

As the time appointed for my Disolution aproaches fast, I most
earnestly intreat no time may be lost in writing to London in my
behalf.

I now most humbly Beg that you will pardon this Presumption in one
of the most unfortunate of the Human Race and whatever may be the
result of this Aplication, I shall ever pray for your welfare and
hapiness.

I am with the greatest respect Right Honble Sir Your most obdt and huble Sert but most unfortunate WILL: BRODIE.

HANG Edinr Tolbooth 10th Sepr 1788