"To make the matter clear, I will explain my own actions.

When the Bellevite ranged alongside the Tallahatchie, everything was in readiness for boarding.
I was about to give the order to do this when I discovered that the crew of your ship were drawn up on the starboard side, instead of the port, and it suggested to me that something was wrong, and I withheld the command.

In order to obtain more information, I went further aft, where I hoped to get a view of a portion of the deck of your ship.

I had raised a hawser port with the assistance of a quartermaster; but I could see only the wreck of your spare wheel.

At this moment Mr.Passford was in the mizzen rigging.