three o'clock in the
afternoon
Still several days passed by and nothing was done . It was understood that Lord Howe and Dr Franklin were negotiating at this time , as the result proved , without any effect . Lord Howe to the last was anxious to prevent more bloodshed , and hoped to bring the colonists to terms , but as they now considered themselves an independent people , and he had the authority to treat with them in that capacity , he was powerless . At length , on the 21st of September , towards three o'clock in the afternoon , the admiral made the signal for us to weigh . Each man with alacrity hurried to his quarters . Never was sail more speedily got on the ship . The Phoenix , Roebuck , Carrisfort , and Rose were seen spreading their canvas at the same time to a very light air which blew from the westward .