eleven o'clock
As it was important not to allow the enemy to increase their force , four of our boats were instantly manned ready to proceed to the attack . The first lieutenant of the Chatham was sent in command of them , and each officer was furnished with a supply of combustibles , with directions to heave them on board the ships , so as to blow them up without delay . The first lieutenant of the Flora had charge of the second boat , the second of the Lark the third , and I commanded the fourth . We were all ready by eleven o'clock , when we pulled away towards the Syren . There was no use to attempt concealment , for we were conscious that our motions were narrowly watched ; and this was proved when we approached the shore , for we were welcomed with a very warm salute of big guns and small-arms , the musket-balls and round-shot rattling round us in a far from pleasant manner . To add to the difficulties to be encountered , a heavy sea was running , which washed up alongside the stranded frigate , and created a considerable risk of causing the boats to be stove in . `` Pull away , my hearties , pull away ! ''