That would have been up to the ranking captain on scene.
The plan was to send in provisions only. If that occurred, the mission was accomplished and the ships were to return to their ports. If not, the ships were authorized to use force to land not only provisions by munitions and two companies of artillerymen. Since the fort was being fired upon, the resupply mission was not attempted.
If there is no means to use "force", then it really isn't up to the Captain, is it?
If not, the ships were authorized to use force to land not only provisions by munitions and two companies of artillerymen.
And what "force" would they use?