At 10.15 the _Temeraire_ reported that the Hospital Battery was prepared, that two large rifled guns were ready with guns' crews about them, and that numbers of men under arms were in the barracks and covered way. The _Inflexible_ at the same time signalled that a large body of men, armed with rifles, was in the rear of the Hospital earthworks. In reply, the _Sultan_ signalled to the _Inflexible_ and _Temeraire_, "Close, and open fire with shell." At 10.40 the two ships, having taken up position, fired twelve shells, to which there was no reply, and the men were observed leaving the batteries. At 10.48 flags of truce were displayed at the Lighthouse Battery and at Fort Adda. At the same time, a boat bearing a white flag came out towards the _Inflexible_. This being noticed, the vessels were ordered to cease firing. The boat then returned to the shore without communicating. At 11 the Admiral signalled to the _Penelope_ and _Sultan_, "Weather having moderated, Admiral intends to attack Marabout and Adjemi; approach with _Sultan_, _Alexandra_, _Temeraire_, and _Superb_. I will send gunboat to summon enemy to surrender." At 11.10 the _Bittern_ was sent with a flag of truce to communicate with the Egyptian authorities. At 11.30 the squadron was reinforced by the arrival of the ironclad _Achilles_, belonging to the Channel Fleet. At 2.50 p.m. the _Bittern_ returned, and signalled, "Negotiations have failed, have informed authorities you will engage batteries at 3.30 precisely." At 3.40 the _Bittern_ hauled down her flag of truce, and it was reported that the flag of truce at Ras-el-Tin was also taken down, though this was subsequently found not to have been the case. At 3.50, the Egyptian flag at Marabout having been hauled down, the vessels there were recalled, and the Admiral signalled to the _Sultan_, "Engage batteries off Pharos and Ras-el-Tin with your squadron." At the same time the _Invincible_ fired a shot into the Mex Forts, but got no reply. At 4.40 a general signal was made to the ships to "take up position for engaging batteries, anchoring as convenient;" and at 5 the _Alexandra_, _Temeraire_, _Achilles_, _Superb_, and _Sultan_ weighed anchor, and proceeded in line towards Fort Pharos. None of the ships, however, opened fire, as the flag of truce at Ras-el-Tin was seen to be still flying. At 5.40 the _Helicon_ was sent into harbour with a flag of truce. The instructions of the officer in command were to inform the authorities that if they wished to treat with the Admiral they could do so by returning in the _Helicon_, and that if they did not do so, no more flags of truce would be respected. At 5.50 the signal was made for the squadron to anchor for the night.