nine o'clock
Our courts-martial are always arrayed in the most pompous manner , and certainly are calculated to strike the mind with awe -- even of a captain himself . A gun is fired at eight o'clock in the morning from the ship where it is to be held , and a union flag is displayed at the mizen peak . If the weather be fine , the ship is arranged with the greatest nicety ; her decks are as white as snow -- her hammocks are stowed with care -- her ropes are taut -- her yards square -- her guns run out -- and a guard of marines , under the orders of a lieutenant , prepared to receive every member of the court with the honour due to his rank . Before nine o'clock they are all assembled ; the officers in their undress uniform , unless an admiral is to be tried . The great cabin is prepared , with a long table 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 .