Chapter 2

As the time drew near, his friends unanimously endeavoured to dissuade him from it; frequently half gained his consent to have his face covered, and he as frequently retracted, and said, "_No--it cannot be--I cannot bear it--I must look, and receive my fate_." But by representing to him, that, considering his rank, it was impossible the marines could receive the word of command from him, or look in his face, and see him looking at them, without being awed and intimidated; by hinting at the consequences which might ensue, that he might be wounded only, and mangled; and by adding every sort of argument and intreaty, he at last was prevailed upon and consented to have a bandage over his eyes, and to make a signal by dropping a handkerchief, though with very great reluctance: "_If it must be so_, said he, _and you insist, it must be so_."

He then desired to be made acquainted with all the particulars of the form, that he might make no mistake; telling his friends, that he had never been present at such a ceremony himself. Proposed pulling off his coat; and when one of his friends informed him that was quite unnecessary, "_But_, said he, _it may be said I kept my coat on as if afraid to receive the blow, or feel the bullets_." "No," answered the gentleman, "such a remark can never be made; and it must be more decent to make no alteration in dress." "_Well then_, replied he, _if it is more decent, no alteration shall be made_."

The commanding officer of the marines was informed of the Admiral's intentions, and the signal he was to make, that he might instruct his men; and at the same time was desired to let them know they should have a present of ten guineas, to encourage them to behave properly. 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; but lay a-breast upon their oars[3], without coming on board, to avoid the inconvenience of so great a croud as that would have occasioned.

The Admiral, about eleven, as he walked across the cabbin, observed the croud of boats out of one of the side cabbin-windows, took his spying-glass and viewed several of them; and perceiving many boats from the shore, as well as the ship-boats, and the decks, shrouds, and yards of all the ships that lay near, covered with men, said he, "_Curiosity is strong--it draws a great number of people together--but their curiosity will be disappointed:--where they are, they may hear, but they cannot see_."

Perceiving the Marshal had his uniform and sword on, speaking softly to one of his friends, "_Do you observe_," said he, "_how well dressed the Marshal is?_" "Yes," answered the gentleman; "I dare say, Sir, he intends paying the last piece of respect to you that he can." "_I am sensible he means well_," replied he, "_and I accept the compliment_." The gentleman added, "To see you so easy and composed, Sir, gives me as much pleasure as I can have on this occasion; but I expected no less from the whole of your conduct heretofore, and the last actions of a man marks his character more than all the others of his life." "_I am sensible they do, Sir_," replied he, "_and obliged to you for putting me in mind. I find innocence is the best foundation for firmness of mind_."

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. Then taking a paper out of his pocket, he addressed himself to the Marshal as follows: "_Sir, these are my thoughts on this occasion: I shall give them to you, that you may authenticate them, and prevent any thing spurious being published, that might tend to defame me. I have given a copy to one of my relations_."

The paper was wrote in his own hand, and contained as follows:

_On board his Majesty's ship_ Monarque _in_ Portsmouth-_harbour_, March 14, 1757.

"_A few moments will now deliver me from the virulent persecutions, and frustrate the farther malice of my enemies;--nor need I envy them a life subject to the sensations my injuries, and the injustice done me, must create.--Persuaded I am justice will be done to my reputation hereafter.--The manner and cause, of raising and keeping up the popular clamour and prejudice against me, will be seen through.--I shall be considered, (as I now perceive myself) a victim, destined to divert the indignation and resentment of an injured and deluded people, from the proper objects.--My enemies themselves, must, now, think me innocent,--Happy for me at this last moment, that I know_ my own _innocence, and am conscious, that no part of my country's misfortunes can be owing to me.--I heartily wish the shedding my blood may contribute to the happiness and service of my country;--but cannot resign my just claim to a faithful discharge of my duty, according to the best of my judgment, and the utmost exertion of my ability, for his Majesty's honour and my country's service.--I am sorry that my endeavours were not attended with more success, and that the armament under my command proved too weak to succeed, in an expedition of such moment.--_Truth _has prevailed over calumny and_ falshood, _and justice has wiped off the ignominious stain of my_ supposed _want of personal courage, or disaffection--my heart acquits me of these crimes,--but who can be presumptuously sure of his own judgment?--If my crime is an error in judgment, or_ differing _in opinion from my judges; and if yet, the_ error _in judgment should be on their side,--God forgive them, as I do; and may,_ the distress of their minds, and uneasiness of their consciences, which in justice to me _they have represented, be relieved, and subside, as my resentment has done.--The supreme Judge sees all hearts and motives, and to him I must submit the Justice of my cause._"

J. BYNG.

Soon after he had so spoke, an officer came to the cabbin-door, and in a low voice informed one of his friends the hour of twelve was drawing near. He, overhearing, replied, "_It is very well_;" and retired into the state-room for about three minutes. In the mean time the cabbin-doors were thrown open, and the Admiral, opening the state-room-door, came out, with a stately pace and composed countenance: he made a bow to his friends in the cabbin, and speaking to the Marshal, "_Come along_," said he, "_my friend_;" and walked out upon the quarter-deck. Then turning to the Marshal, with an easy bow, he gave him the paper, containing as above, saying, "_Remember, Sir, what I have told you relating to this paper_;" and went to the cushion and kneeled down. One of his friends attended him to the cushion, and offered to tie the bandage over his eyes; but having a white handkerchief ready folded in his hand, he replied, with a smile on his countenance, "_I am obliged to you, Sir--I thank God, I can do it myself--I think I can--I am sure I can_;" and tied it behind his head himself. Then taking the gentleman by the hand, "_God bless you, my friend_," said he; "_don't stay longer here; they may shoot you_." The marines, in the mean time, advanced about two paces, and, as soon as the gentleman retired, presented their pieces; the first line kneeling, their bayonets about half a yard from his breast; the second stooping, and close to the first; the third line standing upright, were appointed a reserve, in case any life should remain after the two first had fired. The Admiral continued upon his knees something more than a minute, appearing very composed, and to be making an ejaculation; and then dropped his handkerchief, the signal agreed upon. The platoon immediately fired; one missed, four passed thorough different parts of his breast, and one through his heart, and he sunk down motionless, gently falling on his side, as if still studious to preserve _decency_ and _dignity_ in his FALL.

The spectators were amazed at the intrepidity of his behaviour, and scarce could refrain from tears; even the common seamen, one of whom having stood all the while full of attention, with his arms across, cried out, with a kind of enthusiasm, when he saw him fall, _There lies the bravest and best officer of the navy_. The _Ramillies_, the ship he had his flag on board of, breaking loose from her moorings, immediately after his death, induced the people to believe that she sympathized with her Admiral.

His coffins were made at _Portsmouth_ two days before, and sent on board early that morning; one of wood inclosed in one of lead, and that again inclosed in another of wood. On that of lead was the following plain inscription:

THE HON. JOHN BYNG, ESQR. DIED MARCH 14th, 1756.

As soon as his body was cold, it was put into his coffin, and sent on shore to the Dock-yard in the evening; from whence it has been since removed to the family burying-place at _South-Hill_ in _Bedfordshire_.

Thus did this _unfortunate_ but _undaunted Gentleman_, arrive at a place of rest, whose sentence explained, as an Epitaph, would do him honour; who to the last moment asserted his innocence, and assured us that he has been violently _persecuted_ by party rage; treated with many _unprecedented indignities_ and _hardships_; _calumniated_ and _misrepresented_ to the people, who had been prepossessed by the early intrigues of his _enemies_, in order to _screen themselves_; and at last _sacrificed_, to appease the _misguided resentment_ of the nation. His fate is now lamented by far the majority of people of understanding, who see through the mist, and are disposed to view him in the same light. Posterity, in spite of slander, will undoubtedly do justice to his injured character and honour. In all probability, the present age will set the example, when our Patriots have unravelled the Mystery.

So much fortitude and firmness of mind, so heroick a manner of dying, under a cloud of prejudices and misfortunes, cannot fail to be the result and clearest demonstration of innocence, and a mind conscious of a proper discharge of its duty.

_I am, Sir, Yours_, &c.

London, March 25th, 1757.

_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.

Transcriber's Notes:

Passages in italics are indicated by _underscore_.

Long "s" has been modernized.