Raynors HCA 2015-05
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/21/2015
A good war-date Union officer's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Captain Augustus Alonzo Hoit, Co. A, 34th USCT or 2nd South Carolina, (former captain 8th Maine Vols), Tybee Island, Ga., May 27, 1864 concerning the demise of the U. S. transport ship Boston during the failed joint navy-army expedition up the Ashepoo and South Edisto Rivers, South Carolina on May 25-26, 1864. They were to land, march inland and cut the Charleston & Savannah Railroad. The letter reads, in part: "…we have changed our camp several times. First we left Morris Island and went to Hilton Head…then proceeded to St. Augustine, Fla. and remained…on the day of our arrival here we received orders to embark on board the steamer Boston and go on an expedition up the Ashapoo River in S. Carolina…we went in company with six other steamers but owing to the treachery or cowardice of the pilot. Our steamer got aground near a rebel battery about 25 miles from the mouth of the river…she grounded on a sand bar in the middle of the river which was about 150 yards wide…the rebs opened on us with 3 guns nearly every shot taking effect…we commenced disembarking. The water close to the steamer was about two feet deep, but between the bar and the shore…it was 12 or 15 feet deep…many of the men were compelled to swim. There was no confusion nor panic…endeavoring to swim with their rifles and equipment about 20 men were drowned. My orderly sergeant and one corporal and one private belonging to my company were drowned and one private…had his head taken off by a shell while we were leaving the steamer. She was pierced with no less than 75 cannon balls and shells…Col. [James] Montgomery and I were the last to leave the steamer…the Col. took me into a small boat with him…before leaving the steamer Col. Montgomery kindled a fire in the hold but it went out…a small gun boat acme up and compelled the rebs to haul off. The steamer was…completely riddled and worthless and so she was set on fire and burned. So ends the career of our old friend the Boston. We arrived here…baldy used up…we are called the traveling regiment…yours in haste, Alonzo.". Negligible edge chips, else VG
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