d I am, that
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 my 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 falsehood, and justice has
wiped off the ignominious stain of my supposed want of personal courage,
and the charge of 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."

{GEORGE II. 1727-1760}

REMARKS ON ADMIRAL BYNG'S FATE.

Notwithstanding all that has been said in his favour, notwithstanding
the infamous arts that were practised to keep up the cry against him,
notwithstanding this solemn appeal to heaven in his last moments, and
even self-conviction of innocence, the character of admiral Byng,
in point of personal courage, will still, with many people, remain
problematical. They will still be of opinion, that if the spirit of a
British admiral had been properly exerted, the French fleet would have
been defeated, and Minorca relieved. A man's opinion of danger varies at
different times, in consequence of an irregular tide of animal spirits,
and he is actuated by considerations which he dares not avow. After an
offic