Accounts differ over the exact words Farragut used when Hartford took the lead. One version gives 'four bells' as the instruction to Captain Drayton, followed by a separate order to Metacomet, which was lashed alongside Hartford. The familiar 'Full speed ahead' wording is also plausible because a commander may repeat the same phrase when addressing another ship. Bainbridge and Farragut's other mentors had emphasized simple orders, especially when working with crews enlarged by wartime mobilization. That background explains why either form could fit his command style, while the later reports cannot establish one verified sentence.
Notable Point · 3:49:09-3:53:47
What Farragut may actually have shouted
Reported versions of Farragut's order include 'four bells' and 'Full speed ahead', both consistent with his preference for clear commands.