The 7th of November, 1861, will ever remain in the history of the war as one in which a grand victory perched upon the banner of the Union; when treason and rebellion received a blow from which they never fully recovered. The members of the old Sixth will not soon forget the events that transpired. Our gunboats were occupied several hours in getting into position to do the most effective service, and after forming into a circle, with the grand old frigate Wabash taking the lead, they sailed around once and then opened fire upon those strongholds of rebellion. The enemy were evidently expecting something of the kind, for they returned the fire with great promptness. Fort Walker, on Hilton Head, seemed determined to drive the Union fleet away from the harbor, while Fort Beauregard, on Bay Point, which was opposite, played comparatively a small part, for all her shell fell short of the mark. As the boats moved nearer and nearer the engagement became more general, and shot and shell flew like hail through the air; those of the enemy doing little execution, while our shells seemed to stir up the sand around and in their batteries at almost every fire. The troops on the transports watched the engagement with intense interest, while broadside after broadside were poured into those doomed works of treason. Orders were signalled to have the troops prepare, in light marching order, to land at short notice. We were confident the battle would be short and decisive, as the rebels could not withstand such terrible odds. As the battle raged, our boats directed a part of their fire into the woods that skirted the shore on Hilton Head. What could that be for? was the query; when it was announced that the rebels were routed and were retreating through the woods; and such we learned to be a fact, as they could easily be discerned by the glass, making their escape in that direction. A few more well-directed shots, and the firing ceased; then we knew the victory was ours. A boat was lowered and manned by a picked crew of man-of-wars men, who pulled for the shore with great speed, landed and made their way into the fort on Hilton Head and raised the glorious stars and stripes on the rebel flag staff. Words cannot describe the events that followed in a few brief moments. The battle had been waged precisely five hours when the victory was announced. Liberty was triumphant over the despotism of slavery. The different bands on the steamers struck up the national airs, songs were sung, and cheer after cheer rent the air from thousands of throats, while the loud huzzas swept through the fleet like a whirlwind, and not a few prayers arose to the God of battles for giving us such a signal victory.