The next day, three companies of American regular infantry, supported by a mortar and the guns of Sinclair's ships, attacked Worsley's position. Faced with overwhelming odds, Worsley determined to scuttle "Nancy" to prevent the enemy from capturing her or her valuable stores. A line of powder was set running to "Nancy" and from there to the blockhouse. At four o'clock, "Nancy" was set alight, which in turn by way of the powder train, set off an explosion in the blockhouse. The blockhouse explosion surprised Sinclair, causing him to think that one of the howitzer's shots had found its mark.