There was much wearing and manoeuvring, which prevented the firing on either side from being effective.

Each was wary of the other and took the utmost pains to prevent his securing any advantage.
When it became certain that the battle was to be one at close range, Hull ordered the firing to cease, in order that the fullest preparation could be made for the next broadside.

He knew the skill of his men in marksmanship, and determined to hold his fire until the most advantageous position was reached.

As he drew near his enemy, the latter continued firing, and some of her shots were so effective that the crews cheered.

The Americans, most of them barefooted and stripped to the waist, were standing beside their guns eager and impatient for the order to fire, but Hull, when appealed to, shook his head.