Officers and men had been so thoroughly trained in their duties that now they performed them with clock-like regularity.
It was a busy forenoon, yet no one observing the American fleet from the shore would have discovered any signs of unusual activity.
From the Mexican custom house, from the post-office, the cable station, and from the grim old prison-fortress, San Juan de Ulloa, the Mexican flag flew as usual.
In the streets of Vera Cruz natives and foreigners moved about as usual.

Not even the Americans in Vera Cruz, except the consul, knew that this was the morning destined to become a famous date in American history.
At about eleven o'clock boats began to be launched alongside the American men-of-war.

Men piled quickly over the sides.

In number one launch Lieutenant Trent, Ensigns Darrin and Dalzell and forty seaman, with rifles and two machine guns, put away.
Lieutenant-Commander Denton and Lieutenant Timson of the Marine Corps put off in launches numbers two and three with sixty marines and forty bluejackets.

From the other warships detachments put off at the same time.
One cutter, occupied by fourteen marines, put off from one of the men-of-war and was rowed ashore at high speed.