ment in a very
decent devout manner, with some of his relations and friends.

At dinner he was chearful as usual, very politely helped his friends, and
drank their healths; but did not sit long at table. In the afternoon he
frequently turned the conversation upon the place and manner of his
execution next day, at times expressing some uneasiness that the place
appointed should be the fore-castle: and perceiving that his friends
avoided the subject out of complaisance to him, sometimes telling him they
thought it improper, "_I like to talk upon the subject_," said he: "_It is
not to be supposed I do not think of it; why then should it be more
improper to talk of it?_"

He frequently observed how the wind was, and wished it might continue
westerly long enough for the members of his Court Martial, who were upon
the point of sailing, to be present at the time the sentence passed upon
him was put in execution.

About six he ordered tea, as usual, for himself and his company; and
remarking that his friends took notice of his easy manner and
conversation, "_I have observed_, said he, _that persons condemned to die,
have generally had something to be sorry for, that they have expressed
concern for having committed; and though I do not pretend to have been
exempt from human frailties, yet it is my consolation to have no remorse
for any transaction in my publick character, during the whole series of my
long services_."

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. I hope I am not supposed so now; the Court Martial has
acquitted me of every thing criminal or ignominious_." 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 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.

In t