Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Brereton (1782-1832)

Part 2

A larger segment of the painting I posted on 14 Feb 2012.
This picture seems to haunt me. I think because it is sad, even in its bright colours.

It seems so odd the Bristol museum staff say they have no names for anyone on the painting. You would think a record might exist of a military trial and from such information and the uniforms and medals worn that some people might be identified.

Who is the dark person to the left in the exotic attire and what is his role?
What is the man on the right signalling and to whom?
Why would children be at such an event?
Who is the man in black?

If the gentleman on trial had not killed himself, what would his punishment or social status have been, that death by his own hand seemed the very best option?