order to inflame the people, already prepossessed by similar practices.
The unwary were prejudiced by these arts, and joined in the cry against
him; but he defeated the further designs of his enemies, by preserving the
same equanimity to the last.

The nearer approach of death made no change in his manner. He had divine
service performed in the morning by the chaplain of the _Monarque_, and
usually spent the remainder of the day in conversation with his friends;
and sometimes in regulating his private family-affairs, when any thing
occurred to his memory as not properly settled agreeable to his intention.

On _Saturday_ the 12th of _March_, in the evening, when his friends were
going on shore as usual, he took leave of his two nephews in a tender
manner, and desired they would not come on board to him again, lest any
immoderate grief in them should soften him.

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, 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
think I have not been treated like an officer in any instance since I was
disgraced, excepting in that of being ordered to be shot_." He appeared
much disturbed at this circumstance, and looked upon it as a considerable
grievance. His friends, fearing it could not be altered, because the
warrant was expresly worded so, represented to him, that it appeared to
them an impropriety; but they hoped he would think the place immaterial, a
circumstance beneath his notice, and not let any such consideration break
in upon his tranquillity of mind. He then composed himself again, and
replied, "_It is very true, the place or manner is of no great importance
to me; but I think living Admirals should consult the dignity of the rank,
for their own sakes. I cannot plead a precedent: there is no precedent of
an Admiral, or a General Officer in the Army, being shot. They make a
precedent of me, such as Admirals hereafter may feel the Effects of_."

After this he appeared calm again; and in the forenoon heard prayers read
by the chaplain of the _Monarque_, and received the sacra