About one in the
afternoon
They pleaded for a few days ' grace , but the admiral declined to wait a single day . If the fort was not immediately given up he would sail in and attack it . It was evident that hostilities could not be avoided . About one in the afternoon Captain Henry Smith of the Kingfisher sloop was ordered to lead the way , and Desmond was sent to join him . `` What is the depth under the walls , Mr. Burke ? '' the captain asked him . `` Three and a half fathoms , sir -- deep enough to float the biggest of us . ''