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.