[DiogenesLamp]

cite the order issued to fire cannons at the people of Charleston.

Is "force" a euphemism for "cannons"? I sort of think it is. "Cannons" were the means of applying the "force".

Is this complicated or something?

[BroJoeK]

Bull Snipe: "cite the order issued to fire cannons at the people of Charleston."

DiogenesLamp: "Is "force" a euphemism for "cannons"?
I sort of think it is.
"Cannons" were the means of applying the "force".
Is this complicated or something?"

What's not complicated to see is that: DiogenesLamp you never read your own link, did you?
It says nothing about using force against Charleston, but only to protect resupply boats and repel obstructions.
That's it -- no attack, no assault, no invasion, no aggression, no violence -- no force unless to protect boats or repel obstructions.

Really, you should read it someday.