four o'clock in the afternoon
He solemnly averred that the colours should never be struck while he survived , and demanded who amongst us were base enough to refuse to stand by them . Again we gave him three cheers , but our numbers were few , and the cheers were faint compared with the first which had been given , but still we were resolute , and determined to support our captain and the honour of our flag . Captain Weatherall took care that this feeling should not subside -- he distributed the grog plentifully ; at our desire he nailed the colours to the mast , and we waited for a renewal of the combat with impatience . At four o'clock in the afternoon a breeze sprang up , and both vessels trimmed their sails and neared us fast -- not quite in such gallant trim as in the morning , it is true -- but they appeared now to have summoned up a determined resolution . Silently they came up , forcing their way slowly through the water ; not a gun was fired , but the gaping mouths of the cannon , and their men motionless at their quarters , portended the severity of the struggle which was now to decide this hitherto well-contested trial for victory . When within half a cable 's length , we saluted them with three cheers , they returned our defiance , and running up on each side of us , the combat was renewed with bitterness . The Frenchman would not this time lay us on board until he was certain that the Spaniard had boarded us to leeward ; he continued luffing to windward and plying us with broadsides until we were grappled with the Spaniard , and then he bore down and laid his gunwale on our bow .