’The condemned men displayed no unmanly fear.  On the contrary, they steadily kept step to the Dead March which the band played; yet the certainty of death threw a cadaverous and ghastly hue over their black features, while their singular and appropriate costume, and the three coffins being borne before them, altogether rendered it a frightful picture:  hence it was not to be wondered at that two of the European soldiers fainted.

’The mutineers marched abreast.  The tall form and horrid looks of Daaga were almost appalling.  The looks of Ogston were sullen, calm, and determined; those of Coffin seemed to indicate resignation.

’At eight o’clock they arrived at the spot where three graves were dug; here their coffins were deposited.  The condemned men were made to face to westward; three sides of a hollow square were formed, flanked on one side by a detachment of the 89th Regiment and a party of artillery, while the recruits, many of whom shared the guilt of the culprits, were appropriately placed in the line opposite them.  The firing-party were a little in advance of the recruits.

’The sentence of the courts-martial, and other necessary documents, having been read by the fort adjutant, Mr. Meehan, the chaplain of the forces, read some prayers appropriated for these melancholy occasions.  The clergyman then shook hands with the three men about to be sent into another state of existence.  Daaga and Ogston coolly gave their hands:  Coffin wrung the chaplain’s hand affectionately, saying, in tolerable English, “I am now done with the world.”

’The arms of the condemned men, as has been before stated, were bound, but in such a manner as to allow them to bring their hands to their heads.  Their night-caps were drawn over their eyes.  Coffin allowed his to remain, but Ogston and Daaga pushed theirs up again.  The former did this calmly; the latter showed great wrath, seeming to think himself insulted; and his deep metallic voice sounded in anger above that of the provost-marshal, {179} as the latter gave the words “Ready! present!” But at this instant his vociferous daring forsook him.  As the men levelled their muskets at him, with inconceivable rapidity he sprang bodily round, still preserving his squatting posture, and received the fire from behind; while the less noisy, but more brave, Ogston looked the firing-party full in the face as they discharged their fatal volley.

’In one instant all three fell dead, almost all the balls of the firing-party having taken effect.  The savage appearance and manner of Daaga excited awe.  Admiration was felt for the calm bravery of Ogston, while Edward Coffin’s fate excited commiseration.

’There were many spectators of this dreadful scene, and amongst others a great concourse of Negroes.  Most of these expressed their hopes that after this terrible example the recruits would make good soldiers.’