1 individual petition (the prisoner) and 1 collective petition (30 people, 'the Subscribers,...

1 individual petition (the prisoner) and 1 collective petition (30 people, 'the Subscribers, Burgesses and Gild Brethren of the City of Brechin' and including Provost and Chief Magistrate of Brechin, Forfarshire) on behalf of Charles Black, flax dresser, convicted at Perth on 20 September 1826, for the attempted rape of Jean Young. There are certificates of good character from 33 people of Brechin; Jos Spaddie; A Munroe blacksmith; a certificate of ill health from Alexander Guthrie, surgeon and a covering letter from James Spied, Provost and chief magistrate of Brechin. Grounds for clemency: the victim is known to be a woman of bad character who solicited Black, an inexperienced young man of 19 years of age, the victim refused the prisoner unless he gave her a half crown, the prisoner pleaded guilty, has already been confined 9 months and the sentence may seem excessive compared to those found guilty of similar offences after his trial [other prisoners mentioned who were convicted of rape in 1823]. Initial sentence: 15 months imprisonment, to keep the peace 3 years and a fine of £20. Annotated: 'Cannot be granted'. AM 10. [Scot]