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 Gentle