"augusta" departed new york on 16 october, reached hampton roads two days later, remaining there while the other warships of du pont's fleet assembled. when she sortied with them on 29 october, the captain of each ship carried sealed orders to be opened only in the event of the force's separation. while the fleet of some 75 ships slowly sailed south, a storm arose in the wee hours of 31 october, shortly after "augusta" passed cape hatteras. by 3:30 that afternoon, the wind had increased so greatly in violence that du pont signaled the commanding officer of the other ships that they were free to leave the formation and to proceed in whatever manner seemed most conducive to safety. while suffering varying amounts of damage as they battled the tempest, some ships were forced to turn back; two transports went to the bottom; but most continued on toward their original objectives.