eight o'clock
Bob was glad to get back again into the bombproof casemates ; for there was comparative quiet while , outside , the constant roar of the guns , the howl of shot , the explosion of shell , and the crash of masonry created a din that was almost bewildering . Presently a cheer was heard in the battery , and Bob went out to see what it was ; and returned with the news that the ship next to the Spanish admiral 's was also smoking , in several places . As the afternoon went on , confusion was apparent on board several of the battering ships and , by the evening , their fire had slackened considerably . Before eight o'clock it had almost entirely ceased , except from one or two ships to the northward of the line which , being somewhat farther from the shore , had suffered less than the others . At sunset the Artillery in our batteries were relieved -- the Naval Brigade taking their place -- and the fire was continued , without relaxation . As soon as it became dark , rockets were fired by several of the battering ships . These were answered by the Spanish men-of-war , and many boats rowed across to the floating batteries .