nine o'clock
The steamer lay alongside . No other object was visible -- only the restlessly-dashing waters . The wild shrieking of the steamer 's whistle , blowing in the fog to warn other vessels of the fleet to avoid running down upon them , the near and far responses of similarly screaming whistles , and of invisible tolling bells , added impressiveness to the situation . At nine o'clock , anchors were weighed again , and the fleet proceeded slowly , feeling its way , as it were , in the obscurity . There was more or less fog throughout the day ; but towards sundown a breeze blew from the shore , the fog rolled back upon the sea , the clouds broke into wild flying masses , the blue sky shone through , and the sunset poured its placid glory upon the scene . Again the troops crowded the decks . The fleet was entering Hampton Roads .