Item Description: Entry, 8 November 1861, of the log book for the U.S. Steamer Augusta, kept by Eugene Whittemore, a surgeon’s assistant on the ship. The log book includes a daily record of naval operations, activities of the ship’s men, and the weather, while the Augusta was on blockade duty off the South Carolina and Georgia coasts. This entry notes the steamer’s actions during the Battle of Port Royal, S.C.
Item Transcription:
Friday Nov 8th 1861
The morning very pleasant all hands were up early. The American Flag was seen flying on the opposite Battery from which we made a landing our men having landed there and found it deserted. About 8 Bells the Steam Tug Mercury came alongside & gave us orders to go down to the Seneca at the Battery All hands were immediately called to hoist anchor and we steamed down and again dropped Anchor near the shore. A Boat with our Lieut & other Officers went ashore the destruction there was also complete That Battery had about 18 Guns. a great many Trophies were brought away from there. our Capt also went ashore but did not remain but a short time as Signals had been made for us to go alongside the Wabash our loss in killed is very small. All are well on board this Ship.
The Commodore wished us to Coal as soon as possible and await further orders our Capt went to the Flag Ship soon after we had anchored for his orders. We took a Brig alongside & commenced to Coal about 8 Bells afternoon. Our Troops are now landing at the Batteries fort.
Item citation: From the Eugene Whittemore Papers, #2958-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
