USS Shawsheen Destroyed

MAY 7TH, 1864:  The USS Shawsheen was disabled, captured and destroyed by Confederates in the James River, Virginia.  The 180-ton sidewheel steamer had been ordered to drag the river for torpedoes above Chaffin's Bluff and had anchored near shore to allow the crew to eat when it was surprised by Confederate infantry and artillery.

A shot through the boiler forced many crew overboard to avoid being scalded.  The Shawsheen surrendered and the Confederates destroyed the ship.  

--Old B-Runner