meanwhile, du pont's flanking squadron — including "augusta" — followed the main group into the harbor and took station to the northwest of this ellipse in position to turn back any southern warships which attempted to enter the fray. they did not have long to wait. the small confederate squadron — commanded by flag officer josiah tattnall, csn — soon steamed out and opened fire on "augusta" and her consorts. however, the union ships answered with a barrage that soon convinced tattnall that his ships had more than met their match and compelled him to withdraw into skull creek. nevertheless, tattnall's ships did aid the southern cause by ferrying fort walker's troops from hilton head to the mainland.