CHAPTER XLIX

THE PORT ROYAL EXPEDITION

General Thomas W. Sherman--His army--General Stevens's brigade--The embarkation--Fleet assemble off Fortress Monroe--Boat's crew of Highlanders--Lively scenes--Sailing out to sea--Storm scatters the fleet--Opening sealed orders--Sail for Port Royal--The rebel defenses--Commodore Dupont's attack--The enemy's flight--Landing of the troops--Demoralized by sweet-potato field--General Stevens alone urges advance inland--Constructs a mile of defensive works--Sickness--Life on Hilton Head 341