And being shown a parcel of keys, declares that they are the same which were pointed out by the declarant concealed in Salisbury Crags, on the 7th instant, to William Middleton, Alexander Williamson, and James Murray, and the label annexed to them is signed by the declarant as relative hereto, of this date. Declares that among this parcel there is the false key which opened the outer door of Inglis & Horner’s shop, to which the declarant now sees a label annexed, and which is signed by him as relative hereto, of this date.
And being shown a parcel of keys which were found by the declarant and George Williamson upon the 10th current, declares that the double clank among the said parcel was brought by the declarant from Sheffield, and given to Brodie, the reason of which was for fear it should be found in the declarant’s possession and thereby create suspicion, but it was not likely to be discovered in Brodie’s. Declares that the heads and stalks of two keys in the said parcel were cut from old keys by Brodie, and were intended to be finished for the purpose of opening the spring latch of the outer door of the cashier’s room in the Excise Office; that a false key in the said parcel, finished, was made by Brodie for the purpose of opening the door of the Chamberlain’s cash room of the city of Edinburgh; and to the said double clank, the heads and stalks of two keys for the Chamberlain’s room, the declarant sees labels annexed, of this date, and are signed by the declarant as relative hereto. The declarant and Brodie had frequently been at the door of the Chamberlain’s office, in order to take the impression of the keyhole; that Brodie showed the declarant the said key after it was made, and Brodie told the declarant that it did not answer.
And being shown two parcels of keys, with labels annexed to them, and two pieces of black stockings, declares that they are the property of the declarant, and were concealed by him in Salisbury Crags, and the labels annexed to them are signed by the declarant and Sheriff as relative hereto, of this date.
And being shown two trunks, declares that they are the same two trunks that were purchased by the declarant and Andrew Ainslie; that the round one was purchased by the declarant from a man opposite to Todrick’s Wynd, whom he saw this day in the office, for which the declarant paid three shillings, and the other was purchased by Ainslie from a man nearly opposite to Richardson’s, the smith, in the Cowgate; that the declarant first bargained for it himself, but the declarant afterwards sent Ainslie, who bought it for five shillings and sixpence, or six shillings.
That the goods taken from Inglis & Horner’s shop were put into the said two trunks, sent to the said Berwick carrier’s quarters, and to the Newcastle waggoner’s, as mentioned in his former declaration; that the direction on the round trunk is, as he believes, of the handwriting of Ainslie, and the direction upon the other of the handwriting of Brown, of which he is certain. All which is truth, &c.
George Smith.Ar. Cockburn.
At Edinburgh, 17th July, 1788.
The which day compeared, in presence of the Sheriff-Substitute of the shire of Edinburgh, George Smith, late grocer, Cowgate, now prisoner in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, who being examined and interrogated, declares—
That on the 10th of March last the declarant was carried to Mr. Brodie’s yard and workshop by Alexander and George Williamson, in order to point out a place where it was supposed some false keys, which Mr. Brodie had, were hid.
That in the under workshop, and in the bottom of a vent which was used as a fireplace for melting the glue, the declarant, when digging for the false keys, found a little under ground a pair of pistols wrapped in a piece of green cloth, which the said Alexander and George Williamson took into custody, and lodged in the Sheriff-clerk’s office.
That the declarant saw the said pistols and piece of green cloth yesterday in the Sheriff-clerk’s office, and knew them to be the same that were found as above, and the reason of the declarant’s knowing them was, that he had these pistols in loan from Mr. Brodie for a considerable time; and thedeclarant had the said pistols with him when the Excise Office was broke into on the evening of the 5th of March last.
Declares that the same evening, after breaking into the Excise Office, the declarant delivered the pistols to Mr. Brodie, being afraid of taking them to the declarant’s house in case of a search. This he declares to be truth.
George Smith.John Stewart, Sh. Subst.
At Edinburgh, this 17th July, 1788.
The which day compeared, in presence of Archibald Cockburn, Esq., advocate, His Majesty’s Sheriff-depute of the sheriffdom of Edinburgh, William Brodie, wright and cabinetmaker in Edinburgh, who being examined and interrogated by the Sheriff, declares—
That he does not at present recollect the name of the vessel in which the declarant went from the river Thames to Holland in the month of April last; that is, in which he arrived at Holland in April last.
That, before he left the vessel, he gave some letters, at present he does not recollect the number, written by himself, to one Geddes, a passenger on board the vessel.
And being shown a letter directed to Michael Henderson, signed W. B., dated Thursday, the 10th of April last, declares that he cannot say that the letter was not wrote by him and given to Geddes.
And, being interrogated, if one of the letters given to Geddes was not directed to Mr. Matthew Sheriff, upholsterer in Edinburgh, and signed John Dixon, dated Flushing, Tuesday, the 8th of April, 1788?—Declares that the declarant cannot give any positive answer to that question, and he does not suppose he would have signed any letter at that time by the name of John Dixon, especially as he had wrote some letters at the same time, and given them to Geddes, signed by his initials W. B.
Declares that the declarant, when taken into custody at Amsterdam, on the 26th of June last, went by the name of John Dixon.
Declares that the declarant first became acquainted with George Smith in Michael Henderson’s a long while ago, when Smith was indisposed and bedfast there; that the declarant has been in George Smith’s house in the Cowgate. And being interrogated, declares that he cannot say positively whether he was in Smith’s house any day of the week before the declarantleft Edinburgh, which, to the best of the declarant’s recollection, he did upon the 9th of March last, and upon a Sunday, as he thinks.
Declares that, having received a message that some person in the jail of Edinburgh wanted to see him, he went there and found it was either Smith or Ainslie who had been inquiring for him; but the declarant, when going there, was told by the keeper that neither Smith nor Ainslie could be seen; and that this was the night preceding his departure from Edinburgh.
Being interrogated, If reports had not been going of the Excise Office having been broke into the week before the declarant left Edinburgh, if he, the declarant, would have taken that step?—declares that it was not in consequence of that report that he left Edinburgh, but that the declarant, being acquainted with Smith and Ainslie, then in custody, did not know what they might be induced to say to his prejudice, was the cause of his going away.
Declares that the declarant has frequently been in company with John Brown,aliasHumphry Moore (as is reported to be his real name), Andrew Ainslie, and George Smith, and drank with them.
And, being shown three letters, one dated Thursday, 10th April, 1788, directed to Mr. Michael Henderson, Grassmarket, signed W. B.; another dated Flushing, Tuesday, 8th April, 1788, directed to Mr. Matthew Sheriff, upholsterer in Edinburgh, and signed John Dixon; another, dated Thursday, 10th April, 1788, directed to Mrs. Anne Grant, Cant’s Close, Edinburgh, signed, W. B., and, desired to say whether or not the said three letters are holograph of the declarant?—declares that he does not incline to give any positive answer, the appearance of writing varies so much. This he declares to be truth.
Will. Brodie.Arch. Cockburn.
Copyof aLetterfrom William Brodie, under the name of John Dixon, to Mr. Matthew Sheriff, upholsterer in Edinburgh.
Copyof aLetterfrom William Brodie, under the name of John Dixon, to Mr. Matthew Sheriff, upholsterer in Edinburgh.
Flushing, Tuesday, 8th April, 1788,12 o’clock forenoon.My dear Friend,Sunday, the 23rd ult., I went on board a ship cleared out for Leith, but by a private bargain with the captain was to be landed at Ostend. I have been on board ever since the 23rd. Most of the time we lay aground a little below Gravesend. Owing to thick weather and cross wind, we are obliged to land here; but this afternoon I will set off, bywater, for Bruges, and then for Ostend (so I begin my travels where most gentlemen leave them off), where I shall remain, for some time at least, until I hear from Mr. Walker; and, indeed, I will require three weeks to recruit, for I have suffered more from my sore throat than sufficient to depress the spirits of most men. There was for twenty days I did not eat ten ounces of solid meat; but, thank God, I am now in a fair way. My stock is seven guineas, but by I reach to Ostend will be reduced to less than six. My wardrobe is all on my back, excepting two check shirts and two white ones, one of them an old rag I had from my cousin Milton, with an old hat (which I left behind), my coat, an old blue one, out at the arms and elbows, I also had from him, with an old striped waistcoat, and a pair of good boots. Perhaps my cousin judged right, that old things were best for my purpose. However, no reflections; he is my cousin, and a good prudent lad, and showed great anxiety for my safety; rather too anxious, for he would not let me take my black coat with me, nor Mr. Nairn’s great-coat, which makes me the worse off at present; but I could not extract one guinea from him, although he owes me twenty-four pounds for three years past. He turned me over to Mr. Walker, who supplied me with twelve guineas. He is a gentleman I owe much to. I wish I may ever have it in my power to show my gratitude to him and Mr. Nairn. Had Milton been in my place, and me in his, my purse, my credit, and my wardrobe, my all, should have been at his disposal. However, let not this go farther, lest it should have an appearance of reflection upon a worthy man. He cannot help his natural temper.I would have wrote to Mr. Nairn, but for certain reasons I believe it is not proper at present. Please to communicate this to him. And I beg that everything may be sent to me that you, Mr. Nairn, and my sisters may think useful to me, either in wearing apparel, tools, or even a small assortment of brass and iron work. Please send my quadrant and spirit level; they lie in a triangular box in my old bedroom. My brass-cased measuring line, and three-foot rule, my silver stock buckle, it is in the locker of my chest, and my stocks, they will save my neckcloths. If my sister pleases to send me some hand towels, they will be serviceable to me, whether I keep a house or a room.I most earnestly beg of Mr. Nairn that my remittances be as liberal as possible; for without money I can make but a poor shift; for, you must think, my days for hard labour is near expiring, although, with my constitution, I may be able to carry on business for many years, and perhaps with success.I have not yet received the trunk with my shirts and stockings, but will write Mr. Walker to forward it to Ostend, where I will be under the necessity of buying some things. And Ihope by the time I come to New York I will have some things waiting me there. Whether it is best to send them by the Clyde or Thames, you and Mr. Nairn will judge best. And I hope to have a long letter from each of you, and one from my sister Jeany; and your’s will include your wife’s. They may be put in with my things, and any other letters my friends are pleased to send. Direct for Mr. John Dixon, to the care of the Revd. Mr. Mason, at New York. I am not sure of settling there, but will make for it as soon as I can.I have no more time, the boat just going off for Bruges or Ostend.I am,Dear Sir,Yours for ever,John Dixon.Wrote on the back thus—Let my name and destination be a profound secret, for fear of bad consequences.(Addressed) Mr. Matthew Sheriff, Upholsterer, Edinburgh.
Flushing, Tuesday, 8th April, 1788,12 o’clock forenoon.
My dear Friend,
Sunday, the 23rd ult., I went on board a ship cleared out for Leith, but by a private bargain with the captain was to be landed at Ostend. I have been on board ever since the 23rd. Most of the time we lay aground a little below Gravesend. Owing to thick weather and cross wind, we are obliged to land here; but this afternoon I will set off, bywater, for Bruges, and then for Ostend (so I begin my travels where most gentlemen leave them off), where I shall remain, for some time at least, until I hear from Mr. Walker; and, indeed, I will require three weeks to recruit, for I have suffered more from my sore throat than sufficient to depress the spirits of most men. There was for twenty days I did not eat ten ounces of solid meat; but, thank God, I am now in a fair way. My stock is seven guineas, but by I reach to Ostend will be reduced to less than six. My wardrobe is all on my back, excepting two check shirts and two white ones, one of them an old rag I had from my cousin Milton, with an old hat (which I left behind), my coat, an old blue one, out at the arms and elbows, I also had from him, with an old striped waistcoat, and a pair of good boots. Perhaps my cousin judged right, that old things were best for my purpose. However, no reflections; he is my cousin, and a good prudent lad, and showed great anxiety for my safety; rather too anxious, for he would not let me take my black coat with me, nor Mr. Nairn’s great-coat, which makes me the worse off at present; but I could not extract one guinea from him, although he owes me twenty-four pounds for three years past. He turned me over to Mr. Walker, who supplied me with twelve guineas. He is a gentleman I owe much to. I wish I may ever have it in my power to show my gratitude to him and Mr. Nairn. Had Milton been in my place, and me in his, my purse, my credit, and my wardrobe, my all, should have been at his disposal. However, let not this go farther, lest it should have an appearance of reflection upon a worthy man. He cannot help his natural temper.
I would have wrote to Mr. Nairn, but for certain reasons I believe it is not proper at present. Please to communicate this to him. And I beg that everything may be sent to me that you, Mr. Nairn, and my sisters may think useful to me, either in wearing apparel, tools, or even a small assortment of brass and iron work. Please send my quadrant and spirit level; they lie in a triangular box in my old bedroom. My brass-cased measuring line, and three-foot rule, my silver stock buckle, it is in the locker of my chest, and my stocks, they will save my neckcloths. If my sister pleases to send me some hand towels, they will be serviceable to me, whether I keep a house or a room.
I most earnestly beg of Mr. Nairn that my remittances be as liberal as possible; for without money I can make but a poor shift; for, you must think, my days for hard labour is near expiring, although, with my constitution, I may be able to carry on business for many years, and perhaps with success.
I have not yet received the trunk with my shirts and stockings, but will write Mr. Walker to forward it to Ostend, where I will be under the necessity of buying some things. And Ihope by the time I come to New York I will have some things waiting me there. Whether it is best to send them by the Clyde or Thames, you and Mr. Nairn will judge best. And I hope to have a long letter from each of you, and one from my sister Jeany; and your’s will include your wife’s. They may be put in with my things, and any other letters my friends are pleased to send. Direct for Mr. John Dixon, to the care of the Revd. Mr. Mason, at New York. I am not sure of settling there, but will make for it as soon as I can.
I have no more time, the boat just going off for Bruges or Ostend.
I am,Dear Sir,Yours for ever,John Dixon.
Wrote on the back thus—
Let my name and destination be a profound secret, for fear of bad consequences.
(Addressed) Mr. Matthew Sheriff, Upholsterer, Edinburgh.
Copiesof twoLetters, upon one sheet of paper, from William. Brodie to Mr. Michael Henderson.
Thursday, 10th April, 1788.Dear Michael,I embrace this opportunity of writing you, and I make no doubt but it will give you, Mrs. Henderson, and a few others satisfaction to hear that I am well.Were I to write you all that has happened to me, and the hairbreadth escapes I made from a well-scented pack of bloodhounds, it would make a small volume.I left Edinburgh Sunday, the 9th, and arrived in London Wednesday, the 12th, where I remained snug and safe in the house of an old female friend until Sunday, 23rd March (whose care for me I shall never forget, and only wish I may ever have it in my power to reward her sufficiently), within 500 yards of Bow Street. I did not keep the house all this time, but so altered, excepting the scar under my eye, I think you could not have rapt[14]to me. I saw Mr. Williamson twice; but, although countrymen commonly shake hands when they meet from home, yet I did not choose to make so free with him, notwithstanding he brought a letter to me; he is a clever man, and I give him credit for his conduct.My female gave me great uneasiness by introducing a flashman to me, but she assured me he was a true man, and he proved himself so, notwithstanding the great reward, and was useful to me. I saw my picture[15]six hours before exhibited to public view, and my intelligence of what was doing at Bow Street Office was as good as ever I had in Edinburgh. I left London on Sunday, 23rd March, and from that day to this present moment, that I am now writing, have lived on board a ship, which life agrees vastly well with me. It is impossible for me at present to give you my address, but I beg you will write me, or dictate a letter to Thom, and let it be a very long one, giving me an account of what is likely to become of poor Ainslie, Smith, and his wife; I hope that neither you, nor any of your connections, has been innocently involved by those unfortunate men, or by that designing villain Brown; I make no doubt but he is now in high favour with Mr. Cockburn, for I can see some strokes of his pencil in my portrait. May God forgive him for all his crimes and falsehoods. I hope in a short time to be in Edinburgh, and confute personally many false aspersions made against me by him and others. Write me how the main went; how you came on in it; if my black cock fought and gained, &c., &c. As I can give you no directions how to write me, you’ll please seal your letter, give it to Robert Smith, and he will deliver it to my sister, who will take care that it be conveyed safe to me wherever I may happen to be at the time, for I will give such directions that everything that is sent to me shall be forwarded from place to place until it come to my hand. I have lived now eighteen days on board of ship, and in good health and spirits, although very bad when I came on board, having my tongue and throat in one ulcer, not a bit of skin upon either, and the medicines I took in my friend’s and by her direction (for she is one of experience), just beginning to operate; but I found it necessary, at all events, to remove, so I underwent a complete salivation on board ship. During all my trials since I left Edinburgh, my spirits nor my presence of mind never once forsook me, for which I have reason to be thankful. My best compliments to Mrs. Henderson, and I will order payment of the two guineas as soon as I have accounts from the gentleman I have intrusted with my affairs; let her not be anxious about it, for, if I live, it shall be paid.
Thursday, 10th April, 1788.
Dear Michael,
I embrace this opportunity of writing you, and I make no doubt but it will give you, Mrs. Henderson, and a few others satisfaction to hear that I am well.
Were I to write you all that has happened to me, and the hairbreadth escapes I made from a well-scented pack of bloodhounds, it would make a small volume.
I left Edinburgh Sunday, the 9th, and arrived in London Wednesday, the 12th, where I remained snug and safe in the house of an old female friend until Sunday, 23rd March (whose care for me I shall never forget, and only wish I may ever have it in my power to reward her sufficiently), within 500 yards of Bow Street. I did not keep the house all this time, but so altered, excepting the scar under my eye, I think you could not have rapt[14]to me. I saw Mr. Williamson twice; but, although countrymen commonly shake hands when they meet from home, yet I did not choose to make so free with him, notwithstanding he brought a letter to me; he is a clever man, and I give him credit for his conduct.
My female gave me great uneasiness by introducing a flashman to me, but she assured me he was a true man, and he proved himself so, notwithstanding the great reward, and was useful to me. I saw my picture[15]six hours before exhibited to public view, and my intelligence of what was doing at Bow Street Office was as good as ever I had in Edinburgh. I left London on Sunday, 23rd March, and from that day to this present moment, that I am now writing, have lived on board a ship, which life agrees vastly well with me. It is impossible for me at present to give you my address, but I beg you will write me, or dictate a letter to Thom, and let it be a very long one, giving me an account of what is likely to become of poor Ainslie, Smith, and his wife; I hope that neither you, nor any of your connections, has been innocently involved by those unfortunate men, or by that designing villain Brown; I make no doubt but he is now in high favour with Mr. Cockburn, for I can see some strokes of his pencil in my portrait. May God forgive him for all his crimes and falsehoods. I hope in a short time to be in Edinburgh, and confute personally many false aspersions made against me by him and others. Write me how the main went; how you came on in it; if my black cock fought and gained, &c., &c. As I can give you no directions how to write me, you’ll please seal your letter, give it to Robert Smith, and he will deliver it to my sister, who will take care that it be conveyed safe to me wherever I may happen to be at the time, for I will give such directions that everything that is sent to me shall be forwarded from place to place until it come to my hand. I have lived now eighteen days on board of ship, and in good health and spirits, although very bad when I came on board, having my tongue and throat in one ulcer, not a bit of skin upon either, and the medicines I took in my friend’s and by her direction (for she is one of experience), just beginning to operate; but I found it necessary, at all events, to remove, so I underwent a complete salivation on board ship. During all my trials since I left Edinburgh, my spirits nor my presence of mind never once forsook me, for which I have reason to be thankful. My best compliments to Mrs. Henderson, and I will order payment of the two guineas as soon as I have accounts from the gentleman I have intrusted with my affairs; let her not be anxious about it, for, if I live, it shall be paid.
Dear Michael,I am very uneasy on account of Mrs. Grant and my three children by her; they will miss me more than any other in Scotland; may God, in His infinite goodness, stir up some friendly aid for their support, for it is not in my powerat present to give them the smallest assistance; yet I think they will not absolutely starve in a Christian land where their father once had friends, and who was always liberal to the distressed.I beg you will order the inclosed to be delivered into her own hand; and I will take it kind if Mrs. Henderson will send for her and give her good advice. I wish she may be enabled to keep what little furniture she has together.I think she should endeavour to get her youngest daughter Jean sent to Aberdeen to her friends, where she will be well brought up, and I will order an yearly board to be paid for her, perhaps six pounds per annum; it will be an ease to Mrs. Grant, and better for the child. My eldest daughter Cecill should be put apprentice to the milliner or mantua-making business; but I wish she could learn a little writing and arithmetic first. I wish to God some of my friends would take some charge of Cecill; she is a fine, sensible girl, considering the little opportunity she has had for improvement. I have been now eighteen days on board, and I expect to land somewhere to-morrow. The ship rolls a good deal, and it is with some difficulty I get this wrote, and my paper being exhausted I shall conclude this epistle. Please make my compliments to Mr. Clark, and a few other friends, and in particular, to Mr. Balmano, and acquaint him I glimed the scrive[16]I had of him. He is a gentleman I have a great regard for. Pray do not forget writing me a long letter. I am,Dear Michael,For ever your’s.W. B.Pray do not show this scroll to any but your wife.(Addressed) Mr. Michael Henderson, Grass-market, Stabler, Edinburgh.
Dear Michael,
I am very uneasy on account of Mrs. Grant and my three children by her; they will miss me more than any other in Scotland; may God, in His infinite goodness, stir up some friendly aid for their support, for it is not in my powerat present to give them the smallest assistance; yet I think they will not absolutely starve in a Christian land where their father once had friends, and who was always liberal to the distressed.
I beg you will order the inclosed to be delivered into her own hand; and I will take it kind if Mrs. Henderson will send for her and give her good advice. I wish she may be enabled to keep what little furniture she has together.
I think she should endeavour to get her youngest daughter Jean sent to Aberdeen to her friends, where she will be well brought up, and I will order an yearly board to be paid for her, perhaps six pounds per annum; it will be an ease to Mrs. Grant, and better for the child. My eldest daughter Cecill should be put apprentice to the milliner or mantua-making business; but I wish she could learn a little writing and arithmetic first. I wish to God some of my friends would take some charge of Cecill; she is a fine, sensible girl, considering the little opportunity she has had for improvement. I have been now eighteen days on board, and I expect to land somewhere to-morrow. The ship rolls a good deal, and it is with some difficulty I get this wrote, and my paper being exhausted I shall conclude this epistle. Please make my compliments to Mr. Clark, and a few other friends, and in particular, to Mr. Balmano, and acquaint him I glimed the scrive[16]I had of him. He is a gentleman I have a great regard for. Pray do not forget writing me a long letter. I am,
Dear Michael,For ever your’s.W. B.
Pray do not show this scroll to any but your wife.
(Addressed) Mr. Michael Henderson, Grass-market, Stabler, Edinburgh.
Copyof aLetterorUnsigned Scroll, in the handwriting of William Brodie, and founded on in the Indictment, marked No. 1.
Copyof aLetterorUnsigned Scroll, in the handwriting of William Brodie, and founded on in the Indictment, marked No. 1.
My dear Sir,By short instructions sent me when I left London, which I think were drawn up in my cousin Milton’s hand, I was forbid writing to any one in Britain, Mr. Walker excepted, for a year or two; but this order, if necessary, I find it not easy for me to comply with, for I must correspond with myfriends in whatever part of the globe I am, and I hope they will do so with me, and write them when an opportunity offers. I have gone through much, in every sense of the word.—J. D. and M.I wrote Mr. Walker from this the 12th current. I received an answer the 18th, and wrote again the 23rd current, and upon receiving his next I hope to be enabled to embark in the first ship for America, to whatever port she is bound, which will probably be Charlestown, South Carolina, as there is a ship lying-to for that port; and notwithstanding the climate is very hot, and not so salutary to British constitutions, especially at the time I will arrive, which will be about the dog days. I will settle there if I think I can do better than at Philadelphia or New York. Longevity to me is now no object; but, at any rate, I will be at New York, and I hope to find there letters, and, if possible, some clothes and tools, otherwise I will be badly off indeed.It grieves me to hear my creditors were so rigorous hasty, but well pleased on hearing the deed and conveyance had the proper effect. I hope all my creditors will be paid, and a reversion, which can be no object to the Crown. Were an application made to the Solicitor, and, if needful, a supplication in my name to his mother, and uncle the Treasurer, perhaps it might be a means either of quieting or getting easier through the threatened suit with the Crown; but this is only my idea.At any rate, if my clothes and tools must go to sale, a proper assortment of tools, put into my best chest, might be put up in one lot, and my wearing apparel and linens in another lot. They are worth more to me than any one, and I think few in Edinburgh will bid for them if known they are designed for me; but if any one bids their value, in God’s name let them have them, otherwise I hope they will be bought for me. I wish it were possible for me to know, before I left this, if I might expect them at New York; if otherwise, I will be under an absolute necessity of laying out what little money may remain, after paying my passage and clearing my board and lodging here, to my last shilling, and buying a few necessaries, otherwise I will land almost naked; and, if possible, to reach a few tools, both of which, I am informed, are 50 per cent. dearer in America than here.I received from Mr. Walker, in all, £12 16s., and he would pay something for three days I slept in Mr. Rose’s, though I am at present three guineas in debt to my landlord, and not a stiver in my pocket for four days past. This is the dearest place I was ever in.I beg I may hear from you when at New York, and, if directed to Mr. John Dixon, to the care of the Reverend Dr. Mason,I will certainly receive it (as I know no other name there to desire you to direct it to), for I will certainly call there, whatever part I land or settle in, in expectation of letters, &c., and, in particular, a long letter from you, in which please answer the following questions without reserve. I am prepared to hear the worst:—How does my dear sisters keep their health? I hope the shock of my departure, and what followed, has not injured either of them in health. How did they stand it? Where does my sister Jeany live? I hope there is no alteration in Mr. Sheriff’s friends to my dear Jamie. If money is an object, it is all in his favour. How is Mr. and Mrs. Grant, and Mr. William, to whom I am for ever much obliged for settling my passage. It was a deep cut, but the more I am obliged to him and shall never forget it. He is a feeling and a generous gentleman.I am sorry I cannot say so much of my cousin Milton, although he, too, was anxious for my off-going. How does my uncle and Mrs. Rintoull keep their health? From his conduct and repeated expressions, I never had much reason to expect anything from him, but now far less, although I be more needful. I believe few at my age ever went out more so. At present I am destitute of everything. I can put every article I have upon my back, and in my pocket. How does Mrs. Campbell and her son’s family?Who were the most forward of my creditors to attach? How does my affairs turn out in the whole? If Robert Smith is employed, has he been active and attentive? He would need to be looked after, although he may be useful; and any news or alterations relating to my friends that may have happened.What has been done, or likely to be done, with the two unfortunate men, Smith and Ainslie, and the greater villain, John BrownaliasHumphry Moore? Was John MurrayaliasJack Tasker brought from England?Whatever these men may say, I had no hand in any of their depredations,excepting the last, which I shall ever repent, and the keeping such company, although I doubt not but all will be laid to me. But let me drop this dreadful subject.[Signed with the following initials]:—S. W., T. L., R. S., J. M., J. S.
My dear Sir,
By short instructions sent me when I left London, which I think were drawn up in my cousin Milton’s hand, I was forbid writing to any one in Britain, Mr. Walker excepted, for a year or two; but this order, if necessary, I find it not easy for me to comply with, for I must correspond with myfriends in whatever part of the globe I am, and I hope they will do so with me, and write them when an opportunity offers. I have gone through much, in every sense of the word.—J. D. and M.
I wrote Mr. Walker from this the 12th current. I received an answer the 18th, and wrote again the 23rd current, and upon receiving his next I hope to be enabled to embark in the first ship for America, to whatever port she is bound, which will probably be Charlestown, South Carolina, as there is a ship lying-to for that port; and notwithstanding the climate is very hot, and not so salutary to British constitutions, especially at the time I will arrive, which will be about the dog days. I will settle there if I think I can do better than at Philadelphia or New York. Longevity to me is now no object; but, at any rate, I will be at New York, and I hope to find there letters, and, if possible, some clothes and tools, otherwise I will be badly off indeed.
It grieves me to hear my creditors were so rigorous hasty, but well pleased on hearing the deed and conveyance had the proper effect. I hope all my creditors will be paid, and a reversion, which can be no object to the Crown. Were an application made to the Solicitor, and, if needful, a supplication in my name to his mother, and uncle the Treasurer, perhaps it might be a means either of quieting or getting easier through the threatened suit with the Crown; but this is only my idea.
At any rate, if my clothes and tools must go to sale, a proper assortment of tools, put into my best chest, might be put up in one lot, and my wearing apparel and linens in another lot. They are worth more to me than any one, and I think few in Edinburgh will bid for them if known they are designed for me; but if any one bids their value, in God’s name let them have them, otherwise I hope they will be bought for me. I wish it were possible for me to know, before I left this, if I might expect them at New York; if otherwise, I will be under an absolute necessity of laying out what little money may remain, after paying my passage and clearing my board and lodging here, to my last shilling, and buying a few necessaries, otherwise I will land almost naked; and, if possible, to reach a few tools, both of which, I am informed, are 50 per cent. dearer in America than here.
I received from Mr. Walker, in all, £12 16s., and he would pay something for three days I slept in Mr. Rose’s, though I am at present three guineas in debt to my landlord, and not a stiver in my pocket for four days past. This is the dearest place I was ever in.
I beg I may hear from you when at New York, and, if directed to Mr. John Dixon, to the care of the Reverend Dr. Mason,I will certainly receive it (as I know no other name there to desire you to direct it to), for I will certainly call there, whatever part I land or settle in, in expectation of letters, &c., and, in particular, a long letter from you, in which please answer the following questions without reserve. I am prepared to hear the worst:—How does my dear sisters keep their health? I hope the shock of my departure, and what followed, has not injured either of them in health. How did they stand it? Where does my sister Jeany live? I hope there is no alteration in Mr. Sheriff’s friends to my dear Jamie. If money is an object, it is all in his favour. How is Mr. and Mrs. Grant, and Mr. William, to whom I am for ever much obliged for settling my passage. It was a deep cut, but the more I am obliged to him and shall never forget it. He is a feeling and a generous gentleman.
I am sorry I cannot say so much of my cousin Milton, although he, too, was anxious for my off-going. How does my uncle and Mrs. Rintoull keep their health? From his conduct and repeated expressions, I never had much reason to expect anything from him, but now far less, although I be more needful. I believe few at my age ever went out more so. At present I am destitute of everything. I can put every article I have upon my back, and in my pocket. How does Mrs. Campbell and her son’s family?
Who were the most forward of my creditors to attach? How does my affairs turn out in the whole? If Robert Smith is employed, has he been active and attentive? He would need to be looked after, although he may be useful; and any news or alterations relating to my friends that may have happened.
What has been done, or likely to be done, with the two unfortunate men, Smith and Ainslie, and the greater villain, John BrownaliasHumphry Moore? Was John MurrayaliasJack Tasker brought from England?
Whatever these men may say, I had no hand in any of their depredations,excepting the last, which I shall ever repent, and the keeping such company, although I doubt not but all will be laid to me. But let me drop this dreadful subject.
[Signed with the following initials]:—
S. W., T. L., R. S., J. M., J. S.
Copyof aLetterorUnsigned Scroll, in the handwriting of William Brodie, founded on in the Indictment, marked No. 2.
Copyof aLetterorUnsigned Scroll, in the handwriting of William Brodie, founded on in the Indictment, marked No. 2.
Pray write me what is become of Anne Grant, and how is her children disposed of. Cecill is a sensible, clever girl, consideringthe little opportunity she has had of improving. My dear little Willie will be, if I can judge, a brave and hardy boy.
Jean is her mother’s picture, and too young to form any opinion of.
What has become of Jean Watt? She is a devil and a ——. I can form no opinion of Frank or his young brother; but pray write me how they are disposed of.
If you please, write me what is become of the two unhappy men, Smith, and his wife, and Ainslie. Are they yet? Is their trial come on? and the greater villain John BrownaliasHumphry Moore? I shall ever repent keeping such company, and whatever they may alledge, I had no direct concern in any of their depredations, excepting thelast fatal one, by which I lost ten pounds in cash; but I doubt not but all will be laid to my charge, and some that I never heard of.
[The following is written at the foot of the page:—]
I often went in a retregard. I have been all my life in a reteregard motion.
[What follows is written on the other side.]
Does Mr. Martin stand his bargain? Is any of my late property sold? Who is making out my accounts? Has Robert Smith been useful and active in my affairs? He is double and would need looking after.
Perhaps, in the course of making out and settling my accounts, some questions may occur that I may solve. If there is any such, please write them down, and I will answer them in course. Has any settlement taken place with Mr. Little? I am afraid my affairs will be a laborious task to you; but I hope all my creditors will be paid, and a reversion.
If all my moveables are not yet sold, I beg my clothes and linen, and a set of useful tools may be preserved for me; they are worth more to me than another.
I wrote more fully some time ago to Mr. Walker on this head, and also Mr. Sheriff, the 8th April; but I know not if he received it. Pray let me know if he did, and how he stands affected towards me. Whatever be his sentiments, I shall always esteem him and regard him as my brother, but I shall never write another friend until I hear from you, and have your opinion how they will take it.
Pray, did Captain Dent ever make any discovery who I was when he arrived at Leith.
[Signed with the following initials]:—
J. L., J. M., R. S., J. S.
A State of my Affairs as near as I can make out at present from Memory, having no other Assistance.
COPY OF AN ACCOUNT OR STATE, IN THE HANDWRITING OF WILLIAM BRODIE
Copyof aLetterfrom Messrs. Lee, Strachan & Co., merchants in London, to Messrs. Emanuel Walker & Co., merchants in Philadelphia.
Copyof aLetterfrom Messrs. Lee, Strachan & Co., merchants in London, to Messrs. Emanuel Walker & Co., merchants in Philadelphia.
London, 1st May, 1788.Messrs. Emanuel Walker & Co.Sirs,You will please to supply the bearer, Mr. John Dixon, with cash to the amount of fifty pounds sterling, taking his bill on Mr. William Walker, attorney in the Adelphi, London, for the same, which will be duly honoured, and oblige,Sirs,Your most obedientHumble Servants,Lee, Strachan & Co.Messrs. Emanuel Walker & Co., Philadelphia.
London, 1st May, 1788.
Messrs. Emanuel Walker & Co.
Sirs,
You will please to supply the bearer, Mr. John Dixon, with cash to the amount of fifty pounds sterling, taking his bill on Mr. William Walker, attorney in the Adelphi, London, for the same, which will be duly honoured, and oblige,
Sirs,Your most obedientHumble Servants,Lee, Strachan & Co.
Messrs. Emanuel Walker & Co., Philadelphia.
[The counsel for Mr. Brodie here observed that the object of the exculpatory proof was to show that, on Wednesday, the 5th of March last, the night on which the robbery of the Excise Office was committed, Mr. Brodie was otherwise employed the whole of that afternoon and evening, which, if established, excluded the possibility of his being concerned in that robbery.]
Matthew Sheriff
1.Matthew Sheriff, upholsterer in Edinburgh, called.
TheLord Advocate—My Lords, this gentleman is the brother-in-law of the prisoner, and therefore is certainly a very improper witness. I am at all times very averse to object to a witness adduced for a pannel, but I thought it my duty to mention the fact to your Lordships, and to leave it with you to determine whether or not this gentleman’s evidence ought to be received.
Mr.Wight, for William Brodie—My Lords, this is the first time I have ever heard that a brother-in-law is not a competent witness in a criminal trial. This gentleman being brother-in-law to the pannel, is a circumstance which may, and which perhaps ought, to be attended to, as affecting his credibility, if his testimony stands contradicted by other proofs; but it is surely no objection to his admissibility.
TheLord Justice-clerk—What do you mean to prove by this witness?
Mr.Wight—My Lord, I mean to prove that he was in company with the prisoner until about eight o’clock of that night on which the robbery is said to have been committed.
TheLord Justice-clerk—You may call him in. The circumstance of his being brother-in-law to the pannel will no doubt go a great length to discredit his testimony, in so far as it may be contradictory of other evidence; but this will fall to be considered by the jury when they come to judge of the proof brought by both parties.
[The witness was then called in and sworn.]
Witness—I know that the prisoner left Edinburgh in March last, and I think it was on the 9th of March, the Sunday after the Excise Office was broke into. I dined with him in his own house on the Wednesday preceding—the 5th of March. I think I went there to dinner about a quarter before three
Charles Hay (afterwards Lord Newton). (After Kay.)Charles Hay (afterwards Lord Newton).(After Kay.)
o’clock.[17]Mr. Brodie was then at home. I was in his house from dinner until within a few minutes of eight o’clock at night. There was present at dinner in company a stranger gentleman whose name I do not know, the prisoner’s two sisters, and an old lady, his aunt. We drank together from dinner to tea, which I think was brought in about six o’clock, and then the stranger gentleman went away. We sat in the same room all the while I was there. Mr. Brodie was dressed in lightish-coloured or grey clothes. Before I came away, Mr. Brodie pressed me to stay supper with him, but I declined his invitation, saying I was engaged. When I came away, I left Mr. Brodie in his own house. I went directly from his house to my own house in Bunker’s Hill.[18]Mr. Brodie dined with me next day (Thursday), and remained with me in my house from three o’clock until eleven o’clock at night.[19]
Cross-examined by theLord Advocate—What was the gentleman’s name who was in company with you?
Witness—I do not know; I do not remember his name.
TheLord Advocate—Did you hear his name mentioned?
Witness—I may perhaps have heard him named while at table with him, but as he went away early in the evening, and as I had no reason at the time to pay any particular attention to his name, it has escaped me.
TheLord Advocate—When did you sit down to dinner?
Witness—We sat down to dinner about three o’clock.
TheLord Advocate—Are you sure Mr. Brodie did not leave the room from dinner until you parted with him?
Witness—I am certain Mr. Brodie did not leave the room.
TheLord Advocate—Did you, on your way home, hear any clock strike or bell ring? or how do you know that it was precisely a few minutes from eight o’clock when you left Mr. Brodie?
Witness—I do not remember to have heard any clock strike or bell ring on my way home, but I had a clock in my house and a watch in my pocket. I am sure that I reached my own house within a few minutes of eight, either before or after it, and I had occasion to remark the hour from Mr. Brodie being so immediately afterwards accused of having that night broke into the Excise Office, a thing which I did not then, and which I do not yet, believe.
Jean Watt
2.Jean Watt, residenter in Libberton’s Wynd, called in and sworn.
TheLord Advocate—I wish to know from this woman whether or not she is married. (To witness)—Are you married?[20]
Witness—No; I am not married.
[The examination was then allowed to proceed.]
I am well acquainted with the prisoner, William Brodie. I remember that on Wednesday, the 5th of March last, Mr. Brodie came to my house just at the time the eight o’clock bell was ringing, and he remained in it all night, and was not out from the time he came in until a little before nine o’clock next morning. We went early to bed, about ten o’clock, as Mr. Brodie complained that night of being much indisposed with a sore throat.
Cross-examined by theLord Advocate—How do you recollect that it was Wednesday night more than any other night of that week?
Witness—On the following Monday I heard that Mr. Brodie was suspected of being concerned in the breaking into the Excise Office; that his house had been searched for him; and that he had gone away on the Sunday. This made me particularly recollect, and also because it was the last night Mr. Brodie slept in my house. He slept with me that night. I have a family of children to him. I saw him again on the Saturday night afterwards, but not till then; and he was in my house in the forenoon of the Tuesday preceding.
Peggy Giles
3.Peggy Giles, servant to Mr. Graham, publican at Mutton-hole, near Edinburgh, called in and sworn.
Witness—I was servant to Mrs. Watt, the preceding witness, last winter, and I remember that the prisoner, Mr. Brodie, came to my mistress’s house about eight o’clock at night of Wednesday, the 5th of March last, and that he slept there all night, and remained until about nine o’clock next morning. My mistress and Mr. Brodie supped together early, about half-an-hour after eight o’clock, on bread and beer and a piece of cheese, for which I was sent out soon after Mr. Brodie came in. I was out about ten minutes, and when I returned Mr. Brodie was still in the house. I remember when he came in to have heard the eight o’clock bell ringing.
Gentleman of the Jury—Was it the Magdalen Chapel bell you heard ringing? or what bell was it?
Witness—It was the Tron Church bell.
Cross-examined by theLord Advocate—Are you sure of that?
Witness—I am very sure.
Mr.Wight—Pray, where does the Tron Church stand?
Witness--In the Parliament Close.[21]
TheLord Advocate—How do you know that Mr. Brodie slept all night in your mistress’s house?
Witness—He was in bed when I arose in the morning, and I gave him water to wash his hands before he went out.
TheLord Advocate—Did you see Brodie in your mistress’s house at any other time during that week?
Witness—He came back in the forenoon and again in the afternoon of the same day, that is of Thursday,[22]and likewise on the Saturday night following. Mr. Brodie was in use to sleep frequently at my mistress’s house.
Helen Alison
4.Helen AlisonorWallace, spouse to William Wallace, mason, in Libberton’s Wynd, called in and sworn.
Witness—I reside in Libberton’s Wynd, and I know the prisoner, Mr. Brodie. I heard of his leaving Edinburgh in March last, and I remember to have seen him come down Jean Watt’s stair a little before nine o’clock on the morning of the Thursday before he went off—the 6th of March. I was then standing at my own door at the foot of the stair; and I had Francis Brodie, the prisoner’s son, a boy of about seven years of age, by the hand. As his father, Mr. Brodie, passed he put a halfpenny into the child’s hand, and clapped him on the head. I said to the boy, “Poor thing, thou hast been too soon out, or you would have seen your daddie at home”; he said, “No, I have not been too soon out, for my daddie has been in the house all night.” After my husband got his breakfast, I went upstairs to Mrs. Watt, and I said to her in a joking way, “You will be in good humour to-day, as the good man has been with you all night.” She answered, “He has; but, poor man, he has not been well of a sore throat.” On the Monday following, I heard that there were messengers upstairs in Mrs. Watt’s, searching her house for Mr. Brodie; and when I went up and was told what was the matter, I said to one Murray, a sheriff-officer, then present, “Dear sirs, who would have thought this would have happened, when I saw Mr. Brodie come downstairs and give a bawbee to his own son on Thursday last?” To which the man answered, “Indeed, few would have thought it.”
Cross-examined by theLord Advocate—How do you recollect that it was upon the Thursday you saw Mr. Brodie come down stairs? Can you give any reason for doing so?
Witness—Indeed, I can give a reason, but to be sure it is a very mean one to mention to your Lordships.
LordEskgrove—Tell us the reason, good woman.
Witness—I had purchased three pair of shoes on the Wednesday in the market; that is, a pair for each of my sons, and one for my husband. On Thursday morning I missed my husband’s shoes, and, thinking they were stolen, I was waiting for my husband at the door at the time he usually returned to breakfast,which was about nine o’clock, to see if he knew anything of them; and had it not been for this I would not have been at the door nor seen Mr. Brodie come downstairs.
James Murray
5.James Murray, sheriff-officer in Edinburgh, called in and sworn.
Examined by Mr.Wight—Do you remember having searched the house of Jean Watt, at the foot of Libberton’s Wynd, in the course of your pursuit after Mr. Brodie?
Witness—I do.
Mr. Wight—What day was that upon?
Witness—It was upon the Tuesday after he left Edinburgh I searched the house—the 11th of March; but finding nothing in it, I ordered Mrs. Watt to come up to the Sheriff, and I waited until she got ready.
Mr. Wight—Did you see any person in the house, except Mrs. Watt and her servant? and had you any conversation with her?
Witness—I saw Mrs. Wallace, who lives at the foot of the wynd, whom I saw among the witnesses just now, and she said, “Oh, Jean! who would have thought on Thursday morning, when Mr. Brodie came down this stair and clapped his son’s head, and put a halfpenny in his hand, that such a thing as this would be soon after here?” To which I answered, “Indeed, Mrs. Wallace, I dare say none would have thought it.”
James Laing
6.James Laing, writer in the Council Chamber, Edinburgh, called in and sworn.
Examined by Mr.Hay—Do you remember of any process being brought before the magistrates against Mr. Brodie some time before he left this place, for using false or loaded dice?
Witness—I do.
Mr.Hay—At whose instance was the process?
Witness—At the instance of one Hamilton, a chimney-sweep in Portsburgh.
Mr.Hay—When was this process?
Witness—I do not exactly remember; but steps have been taken in it within these six months.
LordEskgrove—I suppose this Mr. Hamilton is not a common sweep, but a master who keeps men and boys for the purpose?
Witness—He is a master, as your Lordship observes.
Cross-examined by theLord Advocate—Do you know Mr. Brodie to be a gambler?
Witness—I never gambled with him.
Robert Smith
7.Robert Smith, wright in Edinburgh, sometime foreman to Mr. Brodie, called in and sworn.