March 20, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
The British iron screw steamer Georgiana, Capt. HUDSON, left Nassau (N. P.) on Sunday afternoon, March 15, for this city, having on board a valuable cargo of medicines, dry goods, and some six pieces of field artillery of the WHITWORTH and BLAKELY patterns. About one o’clock, on Thursday morning, off Dewees’ Breakers, she made a schooner and a steamer. These, although very close, were passed successfully, and without notice; but, on proceeding a short distance, she discovered several others ahead, and, a rocket about this time going up, the blockaders soon commenced chasing and firing. The Georgiana kept on her course for the Bar, until her rudder was disabled by the explosion of a shell under her stern, and her hull was penetrated by several shots, one of which, it is reported, passed entirely through her. At one time the Yankees were so close that the order to fire and the direction to train their guns could be distinctly heard. To prevent capture the Georgiana was run ashore on Long Island Beach, and the pipes leading into the vessel were cut, letting a large amount of water into the hold, which, it is hoped, will prevent the enemy from securing the vessel or cargo. The Captain, Pilot, and most of the crew, have reached the city in their boats. One of the boats is still missing, but she may yet be heard from. The coal burnt by the Georgiana, it is said, made much smoke, and it is thought that this led to her discovery by the Yankees.
The Georgiana was owned by English parties, and was consigned to Messrs. JOHN FRASER & CO.
A rumor reached the city yesterday that the Yankees had set the Georgiana on fire, but it may prove to be incorrect.