Chapter II: To Her Grace The Duchess of Buccleuch

Madam,

Lett me beseech your Ladyship to pardon My Boldness in making the
present address.

The wretched can only fly to the Humane and the powerfull for
Relief.

As my triall is printed, it would Ill suit me to make any
reflections on the unfortunate Issue; and this much I am convinced
of, that the Current of Popular prejudice is so strong against me,
that it will be well with me if I can Rescue my Life on any terms;
and tho’ my friends are making aplication above, I have little
hopes of the success, unless some Respectable Characters who have
had an oportunity of knowing something of those I have come of, and
of my former life, Interest themselves in my behalf.

With all the fortitude of a man, I must confess to you, Madam, that
I feel the Natural horror at Death, and particularly a violent
Ignominious Death, and would willingly avoid it even on the
condition of spending my Future years at Bottony Bay.

In that Infant Collony I might be usefull, from my knowledge in
severall Mechanical branches besides my own particular Profession;
and if your Ladyship and your most Respectable friend The Right
Honble Henry Dundas, would Deign to Patronise my Suit, I would have
little Reason to Doubt the Success. Capt John Hamilton too I think
would be ready to assist in any measure Sanctified by your
Ladyship.

Lett me again intreat you to Pardon my Boldness. My time flies
apace, and the hand of Death presses upon me. Think for one moment,
but no longer, what it is to be wretched, Doomed to Death,
helpless, and in Chains, and you will excuse an effort for life
from the most Infatuated and miserable of Men, who can confer no
Compliment in subscribing Himself

Madam, Your Ladyships Devoted huble Sert WILL:M BRODIE.

Edinr Tolbooth in the Iron Room and in Chains 10th Sepr. 1788.

_P.S._ I have requested Mr. Alexr Paterson my agent to Deliver this
in Person to your Ladyship.

W. B.