ten
o'clock
`` The cost of the projectiles and the wear and tear to guns and ships must be something enormous . '' Tommy 's answer was drowned in the thundering roar of the `` New York 's '' battery , which opened fire just then a short distance away , but it was evident he agreed with me . A moment later Number Eight went into action once more , and we worked the breechloader without cessation until the conclusion of the bombardment , which came a half hour later . The fortifications ashore had entirely ceased firing , and at ten o'clock a signal to stop bombarding appeared on the flagship . It was obeyed with reluctance , and it was evident the crews of the various ships were anxious and eager to continue . As the fleet drew off there was a puff of smoke in one corner of Punta Gorda battery and a shell whizzed over the `` Massachusetts . '' A second shot came from one of the earthworks , and still another from Punta Gorda ; then the firing ceased again .