nine o'clock
After all , the fairest court of justice is a naval court-martial -- no brow-beating of witnesses , an evident inclination towards the prisoner -- every allowance and every favour granted him , and no legal quibbles attended to . It is a court of equity , with very few exceptions ; and the humbler the individual , the greater the chance in his favour . I was awoke the following morning by my counsel , who had not gone to bed the previous night , and who had come off at seven o'clock to read over with me my defence . At nine o'clock I again proceeded on board , and in a short time the court was sitting . I came in , handed my defence to the judge-advocate , who read it aloud to the court . I have a copy still by me , and will give the whole of it to the reader . `` Mr President and Gentlemen , -- After nearly fourteen years ' service in his Majesty 's navy , during which I have been twice made prisoner , twice wounded , and once wrecked ; and , as I trust I shall prove to you , by certificates and the public despatches , I have done my duty with zeal and honour ; I now find myself in a situation in which I never expected to be placed -- that of being arraigned before and brought to a court-martial for charges of mutiny , disaffection , and disrespect towards my superior officer .