Page:The Naval Officer (1829), vol. 1.djvu/222

 covered with a green cloth. Pens, ink, paper, prayer books, and the articles of war, are laid round to every member.

"Open the court," says the president.

The court is opened, and officers and men, indiscriminately stand round. The prisoners are now brought in under the charge of the provost martial, a master-at-arms, with his sword drawn, and placed at the foot of the table, on the left hand of the judge-advocate. The court is sworn to do its duty impartially, and if there is any doubt, to let it go in favour of the prisoner. Having done this, the members sit down, covered, if they please.

The judge-advocate is then sworn, and the order for the court-martial read. The prisoner is put on his trial: if he says any thing to commit himself, the court stops him, and kindly observes, "We do not want your evidence against yourself; we want only to know what others can prove against you." The unfortunate man is offered any assistance he may require; and