The keelboat could be propelled by oars, sails, poles and towlines. Upstream the boats were pulled by towlines. A keelboat, it could be propelled by oars, sails, poles and towlines. Reasons for postponement included snapped towlines and poor weather conditions. Anchors were dropped, and tugboats tried unsuccessfully to attach towlines to the ship. "Zouave" cut her towlines; backed up; and, upon pulling free, resumed her firing. Towlines were used by men, horses, or oxen pulling the boat.