seven o'clock
I wish I could Meet all accusers with as good excuse , As well as I am certain I can clear Myself of this . -- SHAKESPEARE . Pursuant with the general orders issued from headquarters , the court-martial , consisting of thirteen officers , convened at Tacubaya , for the trial of Traverse Rocke , private in the -- Regiment of Infantry , accused of sleeping on his post . It was a sultry morning , early in September , and by seven o'clock the drum was heard beating before the Archiepiscopal palace , where it was understood the trial , involving life or death , would come off . The two sentinels on guard before the doors and a few officers off duty , loitering about the verandas , were the only persons visible near the well-ordered premises , until the members of the court-martial , with the prosecutors and witnesses , began to assemble and pass in . Within a lofty apartment of the building , which was probably at one time the great dining-hall of the priests , were collected some twenty persons , comprising the court-martial and its attendants . An extension table covered with green cloth occupied the middle of the long room .