Anonymous

“ I find innocence is the best foundation for firmness of mind.”
[Pg 39] After that, he walked about in the cabbin for some time; inquired what time it would be high-water; remarked that the tide would not suit to carry his body ashore after dark; expressed some apprehensions, that his body might be insulted going ashore in the day, on account of the prejudices of the people: but, on being assured that no such spirit was remaining among the people at Portsmouth, he appeared very well satisfied on that head. ”

“ One of his friends assured him, that none called or thought him so, but obstinately prejudiced persons, and his enemies, interested to deceive the world still; neither of whom would ever own themselves [Pg 22] convinced by reasons: at which he seemed much pleased.
In this manner he passed the day, generally walking about the cabbin, as is customary on board a ship, to supply the place of exercise; and retiring for a few minutes into the state-room [1] , sometimes with one friend, sometimes with another, when he had any thing particular to say to them. ”

“ On Sunday morning captain Montague, having received a warrant from Admiral Boscawen for his execution next day, gave it to the Marshal to read to him; which he calmly heard read over, and then remarked, with some warmth, that the place appointed by the warrant was upon the fore-castle. “Is not this,” said he, [Pg 17] addressing himself to his friends, “putting me upon the footing of a common seaman, condemned to be shot? Is not this an indignity to my birth, to my family, and to my rank in the service? ”

“ I am a man, and must feel at parting with my friends; but you will not see me discomposed to-morrow.” He then dismissed them all, wished them a good night, and desired they would come to him next day at [Pg 28] nine; chusing to have the morning to himself.
He carefully avoided desiring any thing himself, that could look like a favour; but one of his relations waited upon Admiral Boscawen that evening, and represented to him, that appointing the fore-castle for the place of execution was an indignity to Admiral Byng’s rank, and hoped that he would change the place to the quarter-deck. ”

“ Indeed, I think it appears very evident, that some persons are very active and solicitous to load him with ignominious crimes, with a view to exculpate themselves, or others; to render him odious in the eyes of the people, that his fall may be unlamented. ”

“ The marines were all drawn up under arms, upon the poop, along the gang-ways in the waist, and on one side of the quarter-deck. On the other side of the quarter-deck was thrown a heap of saw-dust, and a cushion placed upon it; and in the middle, upon the gratings, a platoon consisting of nine marines were drawn up in three lines, three in each: the two foremost lines, intended to fire, had their bayonets fixed, as is customary on such occasions.
The captains of all the ships in Portsmouth-harbour, and at Spithead, were ordered to attend with their boats ”

“ One of his friends observed to him, that no man was exempt from human frailties; that what came under that denomination were not crimes cognisable here, or supposed to be so hereafter. He replied, “I am conscious of no crimes; and am particularly happy in not dying the mean, despicable, ignominious wretch, my enemies would have had the world believe me. ”

“ But can a generous nation, like this, where understanding abounds, accept of his blood for the crimes of any other? surely, it cannot be.
I believe you will agree with me in thinking, that the Admiral’s behaviour before and at the time of his death; his observations and conversation with his friends; together with the paper containing his thoughts on the occasion, wrote by himself, and signed, which he gave to the Marshal of [Pg 5] the Admiralty, immediately before the sentence passed upon him was put in execution ”

“ It is true, there are yet sophisters, who want to impose upon us; but I think their designs are easily seen through. It is impossible that any impartial man should fail to observe the almost incredible pains taken to misrepresent and blacken his publick and private character. ”

“ P. S. I have purposely informed you of several minute particulars, because they have been much the subject of conversation, and very whimsically and maliciously described by the authors of Pamphlets, composed of common Reports and Scraps from News-papers.
FINIS.
Footnotes:
[1] The apartment where the captain sleeps, so called on board a ship.
[2] It does not appear that a single man was killed on board either of these ships, when the enemy passed them.
[3] That is, from time to time, rowing a little, when it is necessary, to keep in the same place. ”

“ Blood will satisfy, let them take it.” Immediately after this, he was sent for into Court, where he continued to be the only man that did not appear moved, while the sentence was reading by the Judge-advocate ”

“ In the evening his friends, desirous to be with him a little longer that night than had been permitted before, on purpose to entertain him, and enjoy his conversation for a last time, sent to Admiral Boscawen, requesting that indulgence; which was granted [Pg 23] for as long as they pleased ”

“ Some days after the sentence was passed, he was conveyed on board the Monarque, and confined in the captain’s cabbin upon the quarter-deck. And as soon as the warrant for his death arrived at Portsmouth, all his friends who [Pg 10] came to see him, were obliged to leave him before it was dark, and go on shore. An additional number of marine officers and marines were ordered on board that ship. An officer regularly mounted guard, and a great number of centinels were placed, viz. ”