a quarter to nine
All on board the ships waited eagerly for the signal to weigh . The hands had been piped to breakfast . The meal was over , still the fog prevailed . Suddenly a light breeze sprang up from the southward , when the fog cleared , and at a quarter to nine the signal was given for the leading division to weigh . With eager alacrity the men sprang aloft to loose sails , and in a few minutes the two divisions of sailing-vessels were gliding up the stream ; the one to attack the northern , and the other the southern batteries , with directions to anchor about seven hundred yards from them . With all sail set to stem the current , they approached the batteries , which immediately opened fire on the headmost vessels . They returned the compliment with interest , as soon as they could bring their guns to bear , the thunder of the artillery breaking the silence which had hitherto reigned over the scene , the loud roaring increasing as ship after ship got into action .