No. 1.
Report of Brig. Gen. Rufus Saxton, U.S. Army,
commanding District of Beaufort, S.C.
BEAUFORT, S.C.,
April 9, 1863.
COLONEL: I have the
honor to report the total loss of the steamer George Washington this morning
opposite the Brick yard under the following circumstances:
On yesterday she
started in company with the U.S. gunboat Hale for Whale Branch, where the
latter boat was ordered to take her station. The Hale ran aground at the
Brick-yard, while the Washington went on her way to the ferry. Finding that the
Hale did not succeed in getting off she returned to her assistance. The two
vessels anchored opposite the Brick-yard until 4 o'clock this morning, when the
Hale started for her station. The Washington, instead of starting as she should
have done, remained at her anchorage until daylight this morning, when the
rebels opened fire upon her from a light battery of six rifle guns, which they
had brought there during the night. The battery was about 1¼ miles from the
boat. One shot struck the rudder of the boat and another, a shell, set the
magazine and boat on fire, exploding directly in the magazine. The vessel is
completely destroyed.
As far as I can
ascertain but 2 lives were lost; 6 men were wounded, 4 of them slightly. The
rest all escaped.
It is my opinion
that the conduct of the officers in command of the two boats is deserving of
the severest censure—that of the Hale for starting off before daylight without
giving notice to the officer in command of the Washington, and of the latter
for laying all night within gun-shot of the rebels' lines, giving them ample
time to bring their light battery from the railroad station.
From all that I can
learn the enemy is in considerable force in our immediate vicinity, and an
attack may be expected at any moment.
Colonel Elwell has
applied to Captain Moore for the steamer Darlington, which I had just repaired,
now the Washington is lost. This vessel is absolutely essential until the
present emergency is over. She can only use wood, and is totally unfit to go to
sea, and would be useless should she reach Charleston. I respectfully request
that I may be allowed to retain her.
Assistant Adjutant-General.
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