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.
Edinr Tolbooth
10th Sepr 1788
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.