“If, so long ago as the 1711, the Legislature had perceived its pernicious consequences, how much is it the duty of those to whom its execution is entrusted to act up to its very letter; when it is a fact, that, in these modern times, gaming of every kind has pervaded all ranks; from the stable-boy to the Peer it is the subject of study and of practice; and some of every denomination have made it their chief business to attain the method or art how to cheat his neighbour the best; his neighbour, nay, his friend and companion, who never would have suspected such a latent serpent lay in his breast. “There are living instances of men, who, though born to independence and enjoying most ample fortune, can intermix with the very lowest class of the multitude, and even court this company from motives prompted surely by the principles only of rapacity and avarice; and, without shame or remorse, use the most unjustifiable and dishonest practices to fleece them of their little pittance--pittances so much below their envy, that a relation of them would not bear the appearance of truth; and what must these men appear to be in the mind of every good person; yet still there are such who demean themselves to these practices, and, rather than associate with their equals, will descend to keep company with ostlers, pedlars, and stable-boys.” APPENDIX XI. AN ACCOUNT OF MR. BRODIE’S BEING SEIZED AT AMSTERDAM. JOHN DALY, an Irishman, residing at Ostend, had seen Brodie, who passed there under the name of John Dixon, at the house of one Bacon, a vintner, with whom he lodged. Brodie was recommended to Bacon at Ostend by the following letter from Captain Dent, in whose vessel he went to the Continent:-- To Mr John Bacon, Vintner, Ostend. Dear Friend, The bearer, Mr John Dixon, was going passenger with me to New York, but, being taken sick, had a desire to be landed at Ostend. Therefore, I recommend him to your care, being a countryman and a stranger; on my account, I hope you’ll render him every service in your power. In so doing, you will oblige Your most humble servant, JOHN DENT. Sir John Potter employed this Daly to go to Holland in pursuit of Brodie. He got notice of him at Amsterdam, by means of two Jews who attend the passengers that arrive in the treck schoots. He described Brodie to them, and a black trunk he had with him; and they, for a few stivers, showed him the alehouse where he had taken up his quarters.