In seeking to deliver Mr Asgill from the fate which threatens him, I am far from engaging you to seek another victim; the pardon, to be perfectly satisfactory, must be entire. I do not imagine it can be productive of any bad consequences. If the English General has not been able to punish the horrible crime you complain of, in so exemplary a manner as he should, there is reason to think he will take the most efficacious measures to prevent the like in future.
I sincerely wish, Sir, that my intercession may meet success; the sentiment which dictates it, and which you have not ceased to manifest on every occasion, assures me, that you will not be indifferent to the prayers and to the tears of a family, which has recourse to your clemency through me. It is rendering homage to your virtue to implore it.
I have the honor to be, with the most perfect consideration, Sir, yours, &c.
DE VERGENNES.
LADY ASGILL TO COUNT DE VERGENNES.
[Enclosed in the preceding.]
London, July 18th, 1782.
Sir,
If the politeness of the French Court will permit an application of a stranger, there can be no doubt but one in which all the tender feelings of an individual can be interested, will meet with a favorable reception from a nobleman whose character does honor, not only to his own country, but to human nature. The subject, Sir, on which I presume to implore your assistance, is too heart-piercing for me to dwell on; and common fame has, most probably, informed you of it; it therefore renders the painful task unnecessary.