Another trip out with empty transports and then the _Corsair_ was assigned to the escort of two of the huge ships which were unlucky enough to be torpedoed several months later, the _President Lincoln_ and the _Covington_. This time they passed safely through hostile waters, and with them were the _Pennsylvania_, _Nansemonde_, and _Neches_. When these towering troop-ships began crowding into Brest, including those which had been German liners, it was significant of the fact that the American Army was really moving into France. Instead of battalions or regiments, the convoys were thenceforth to disembark whole divisions, and Brest was to see from fifteen thousand to forty thousand stalwart American soldiers pour out of one group of ships after another. The responsibility of the escort vessels was heavily increased, and officers and men thanked God when one of these tremendous argosies had been moored outside the breakwater without hindrance or mishap. It was while waiting for this convoy, just mentioned, to be ready for sea, on November 16th, that the _Corsair_ became considerably agitated for fear that Commander Kittinger had been lost or mislaid. Quartermaster Bayne reflected the general state of mind when he noted: Still in Quiberon Bay, waiting for the captain. Everybody is getting worried as to what has happened to him and the _Smith_. The scuttle-butt is full of rumors.... Tibbott, Houtz, Evans, Barry, and others are to be sent home to get commissions, but not a chance for me. The only thing, I guess, that our captain would recommend me for is a firing squad. Commander Kittinger was having troubles of his own which may serve to convey an idea of the little trials and tribulations which were apt to beset the course of events in French seaports. In language admirably restrained, considering the provocation, he reported to Admiral Wilson: The escort commander left the _Corsair_ and embarked in U.S.S. _Smith_ to make passage to Saint-Nazaire for conference with the Naval Port Officer. Shortly after passing du Four Light, the _Smith_ was lost in the fog and anchored about 9.30 A.M. A boat was lowered and by noon the ship was located as between Grand Charpentier and Le Pierre Perce. At this time a strong ebb tide was running which made navigation by dead reckoning doubtful. The _Smith_ also had on board the French military pilot. Another attempt was made to reach the mouth of the Loire, but the soundings indicated shoal water and the ship was again anchored. Finally, at 10.30 P.M., the fog lightened sufficiently so that the principal navigation lights were visible and the ship got under way and anchored at Saint-Nazaire at 11.30 P.M. The fog again set in and continued through the night.