The squadron had sailed from Hampton Roads with almost fifty ships and around fifteen thousand troops just over a week before. After weathering a hurricane, the task force arrived off Port Royal, South Carolina on November 4, 1861. Following three days preparation and a weather delay, a concerted bombardment was made in the morning on the two main defending forts, Walker and Beuaregard, by most of the warships in the fleet and four hours later they were in Union hands. Beaufort was occupied two days later. (By John Osborne)