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.