Porter landed a force of sailors and marines to move against the sea-front in co-operation with Ames's assault.

They were under Commander Breese of the navy.

These sailors and marines had worked their way up to within a couple of hundred yards of the fort before the assault.

The signal was given and the assault was made; but the poor sailors and marines were repulsed and very badly handled by the enemy, losing 280 killed and wounded out of their number.
Curtis's brigade charged successfully though met by a heavy fire, some of the men having to wade through the swamp up to their waists to reach the fort.

Many were wounded, of course, and some killed; but they soon reached the palisades.