The charge against me is a connection with one James Reynolds for purposes of improper pecuniary speculation [1]. My real crime is an amorous connection with his wife, for a considerable time with his privity and connivance, if not originally brought on by a combination between the husband and wife with the design to extort money from me [2].
This confession is not made without a blush [3]. I cannot be the apologist of any vice because the ardour of passion may have made it mine [4]. I can never cease to condemn myself for the pang, which it may inflict in a bosom eminently intitled to all my gratitude, fidelity and love [5]. But that bosom will approve, that even at so great an expence, I should effectually wipe away a more serious stain from a name, which it cherishes with no less elevation than tenderness [6].
The public too will I trust excuse the confession. The necessity of it to my defence against a more heinous charge [7] could alone have extorted from me so painful an indecorum. Before I proceed to an exhibition of the positive proof which repels the charge, I shall analize the documents from which it is deduced, and I am mistaken if with discerning and candid minds more would be necessary [8].
But I desire to obviate the suspicions of the most suspicious [9]. The first reflection which occurs on a perusal of the documents is that it is morally impossible I should have been foolish as well as depraved enough to employ so vile an instrument as Reynolds for such insignificant ends [10] , as are indicated by different parts of the story itself. My enemies to be sure have kindly pourtrayed me as another Chartres [11] on the score of moral principle. But they have been ever bountiful in ascribing to me talents [12].
It has suited their purpose to exaggerate such as I may possess, and to attribute to them an influence to which they are not intitled [13].
