ll the
conversation that look place at the interview, to the best of my
recollection. If I am censured for having been too ingenuous in my
communication, I trust it will be admitted, that as ingenuousness
disclaims all connexion with guilt, it is indicative only of my
innocence.

If your Lordships will be pleased to reflect on all that I have offered
respecting De Berenger, and to bear in mind the avowed intercourse which
I had with two other defendants, respecting whose conduct I have been
compelled to speak at last upon a supposition of their guilt, I am
confident you will perceive how easily any man living so circumstanced
might have been placed in the very situation. But waiving the
supposition of De Berenger acting under the direction of either of the
other defendants, I do still contend, that any man who had stock
concerns, and was slightly known to De Berenger, ran the same risk with
me, of being driven into the ruin, which undeservedly, as I am still
willing to hope, has befallen the others.

The artifices which have been used to excite so much prejudice against
me, I unfeignedly despise, in spite of the injury they have done me. I
know it must subside, and I look forward to justice being rendered my
character sooner or later: It will come most speedily, as well as most
gratefully, if I shall receive it at your Lordship's hands. I am not
unused to injury; of late I have known persecution: the indignity of
compassion I am not yet able to bear. To escape what is vulgarly called
punishment, would have been an easy thing; but I must have belied my
feelings by acting as if I were conscious of dishonour. There are ways,
even of removing beyond the reach of ignominy, but I cannot feel
disgraced while I know that I am guiltless. Under the influence of this
sentiment, I persist in the defence of my character. I have often been
in situations where I had an opportunity of showing it. This is the
first time, thank God, that I was ever called upon to defend it.

* * * * *

The following Affidavits, handed in by Lord Cochrane, were read.

"In the King's Bench.

"The King _against_ Charles Random De Berenger, & others.

"Sir Thomas Cochrane, commonly called Lord Cochrane, one of
the above named defendants, maketh oath and saith, That the
several facts and circumstances stated in his affidavit, sworn
on the eleventh day of March last, before Mr. Graham, the