i stopped in my tracks as sailors from a neighbouring frigate rolled barrels across my path with a sound like distant thunder , and my gaze went from the glittering emerald ocean , where the masts of royal navy warships , yachts and frigates rocked gently from side to side , to the dock , the wide stone steps that led from the piers and jetties to the harbour thronging with redcoats , traders and sailors , then up past the harbour to the city of boston itself , the church spires and distinctive red brick buildings seemingly resisting any attempts at arrangement , as though flung by some godly hand on to the side of the hill .