In case of the
Governor's death, the Lieutenant Governor takes his place; and on his
demise, the senior officer on the spot is authorised to assume the reins
of power.
Notwithstanding the promises made on one side, and the forbearance
shewn on the other, joined to the impending rod of justice, it was
with infinite regret that every one saw, in four clays afterwards, the
necessity of assembling a Criminal Court, which was accordingly convened
by warrant from the Governor, and consisted of the judge Advocate, who
presided, three naval, and three marine officers.
As the constitution of this court is altogether new in the British
annals, I hope my reader will not think me prolix in the description
I am about to give of it. The number of members, including the judge
Advocate, is limited, by Act of Parliament, to seven, who are expressly
ordered to be officers, either of His Majesty's sea or land forces. The
court being met, completely arrayed and armed as at a military tribunal,
the Judge Advocate proceeds to administer the usual oaths taken by
jurymen in England to each member; one of whom afterwards swears him
in a like manner.
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