Batteries were to be erected, and cannon brought from the ships, a distance of several miles.

Meanwhile, the works of the besieged were undergoing daily improvements, under an able engineer.
Several hundred negroes were busy, day and night, upon the defences, stimulated, when necessary, to exertion, by the lash.

On the 4th of October the besiegers opened with nine mortars and thirty-seven pieces of cannon from the land side, and sixteen from the water.

They continued to play for several days, with little effect, and the anxiety of the French admiral to leave the coast, at a season of the year when it is particularly perilous to shipping to remain, determined the besiegers to risk everything upon an assault.

The morning of the 9th October was fixed upon for the attack.