3 p.m.
Then another dispatch : `` The Spanish steamer has gone to the eastward . '' And then , three hours later : `` Heavy firing has been heard from the south and east . '' The `` Franklin , '' on leaving Fire Island , where she had communication with the shore , stood to the westward . At 3 p.m. the mast-head look-out reported a large steamer on the port bow . As is customary on vessels at sea , the `` Franklin '' showed no colors ; the stranger displayed a flag which could not be made out . On the poop-deck of the `` Franklin '' were Admiral Rowan , Captain Greer , commanding the ship , and the executive officer , Lieutenant-Commander Jewell . `` Mast-head , there !