"Simpson," said I, "I want you and San Domingo to take charge of this port carronade, while you, Jones and Beardmore, attend to the starboard one.  The ship has now swung to her anchor, and is lying fairly steady; so when once you have trained the pieces they will not need much alteration.  Run them both close up to the rail, and depress the muzzles so that the discharge will strike the water at a distance of about fifty yards, which will afford room for the charge to spread nicely.  If a canoe approaches within that distance, fire upon her.  I will arrange for more ammunition to be sent to you at once."