Hoste was aware of Dubourdieu's intentions and the French advantage in numbers, and consequently ordered a large 5 inches howitzer on Amphion's deck triple-shotted until the cannon contained over 750 musket balls Adkins, p. 360 Once Favorite was within a few yards of Amphion'''s stern, Hoste gave permission for the gun to be fired and the cannon's discharge instantly swept the bow of Favorite'' clear of the French and Italian boarding party.