noon
He decided to approach the entrance by the East Channel , though it would not be possible for the Bronx to reach the Grand Pass from that direction , for there were hardly more than six feet of water at low tide ; and the rise and fall was less than a foot and a half . He had decided upon his method of operations , and then wished again that he was not in command of the steamer ; for the expedition he intended to send out was one he would have been glad to command in person , instead of remaining inactive on board of the Bronx . As soon as he had arranged his plan , he went on deck . To the astonishment of the first lieutenant , he changed the course of the steamer to the north , and at noon let go the anchor in four fathoms of water . The vessel remained there till it was dark , and then proceeded to the westward , sounding all the time . The commander of the Bronx had explained his plan to the first lieutenant . There was nothing especially perilous in the expedition to be sent out ; and it was the policy of Christy to keep the steamer out of sight of the fort , and of those in the immediate vicinity of it .