Final answer:
Richard is in desperate need of help while facing an injustice of being imprisoned for a crime he claims he did not commit. He emphasizes the losses he has endured and appeals for external support while also being advised on the importance of self-control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpts presented are part of a plea for assistance from an individual named Richard, who appears to be experiencing a significant injustice. Richard details the loss of his job, the impending loss of his home and furnishings, and the dissolution of family relationships. He and someone named Darren are seeking help to fight a legal case in which they are imprisoned for a crime they claim they did not commit. His narrative conveys a desperate situation, wherein his previous pleas for help have gone unheeded and he feels isolated and without support. The text suggests a complex blend of personal adversity, emotional distress, and the need for self-control.
The second passage adds another layer to the situation. It encourages the use of will and self-control to manage one's difficulties and not to surrender to 'silly fancies'. This juxtaposition of seeking external aid and relying on inner strength provides a poignant look at human resilience in the face of hardship.
Overall, Richard's correspondence is a call to action for someone on the outside to offer assistance or, at the very least, concern for their dire circumstances.