twelve o'clock
The palisades were ten or twelve feet high , strengthened by embankments of earth thrown up against them , on the inner side . One face of the defences ran along the river bank , while the others were protected by a shallow creek communicating with the river . The town itself consisted , for the most part , of miserable and dirty hovels ; and of a few official buildings of larger size . At twelve o'clock the Liffey anchored abreast of the principal battery , close to the water gate ; the transports being ranged in a line in rear of her . A proclamation had been sent on shore , on the previous day , giving assurances of protection to the people at large , and to all who should offer no resistance . When the guns of the fleet were loaded , a pause ensued . The town was evidently incapable of offering resistance , and it was hoped that it would capitulate .