That reflection on these unprecedented and revengeful proceedings
assures him more and more that his resolution to hold out is neces-
sary and proper. The effect of machinations against his reputation
has been such that he is abandoned in prison by mauy relations and
friends: his sisters have ceased to correspbnd with him; and bis
daughters have been taught to address him in terms of reproach.
Nqy, more, on the 9th March, 1825, a Petition was addressed
*' unto the Right Honourable- the Lords vf Council and Session^
in Edinburgh, praying for an interference in the management of your
Petitioner's affairs, on the plea that your Petitioner was now incapaci-
tated for the management of the same, in consequence of the accusa-
tions against him, the declarations of the doctors, and bis present
state of durance.
That granting bail would be corroborating the charge of insanity,
and thereby fixing a taint upon your Petitioner and his family.
That demanding bail for the good behaviour of a madman is
absurd.
97

That demanding bail for keeping the peace^ wlien no one has
expressed drcady is unnecessary.
That substituting opinion for proof, where the liberty of the
subject is concerned, must be considered a dangerous inroad on
constitutional principle, a flagrant abose of law-practice, and, esta-
"blished by precedent, would render the Habeas Corpus Act a dead
letter.
