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.
APPENDIX XIV.
Speech which George Smith intended to have made to the Court
and Jury at his Trial.
George Smith was taken into custody on Saturday morning, the 8th of March, upon the information of John Brown alias Humphry Moore. On Monday, the 10th, remorse of conscience seized his mind, and he sent to the Sheriff, wishing to make a clean breast, and to tell the truth. From that time he has all along been humble, penitent, and resigned.