The reply of the mutineers was to row into Sheerness harbour and take away with them eight gunboats lying there, each of which fired a shot at the fort, as if to announce that the mutineers were now the avowed enemies of the government.
Thereupon the rebels ordered all their ships together at the Great Nore, ranging them into two crescents, with the newly acquired gunboats at the flanks.

The attitude of the authorities gave the violent mutineers their opportunity.

Buckner's flag was struck from the mainmast-head of the Sandwich, and the red flag was hoisted in its place.
The Delegates would not accept an official pardon for their mutiny through Buckner.

They demanded a deputation from the Admiralty, Parker saying that no accommodation could occur without the appearance of the Lords of the Admiralty at the Nore.

Then followed threatening arrangements, and the Delegates decided to blockade the Thames and the Medway.
It was at this time that Dyck Calhoun--who, by consent of Richard Parker, had taken control of the Ariadne--took action which was to alter the course of his own life and that of many others.
Since the beginning of the mutiny he had acted with decision, judgment, and strength.