Daniel Ammen, Confederate Military History, a library of Confederate States Military History: Volume 7.2, The Atlantic Coast
Clement Anselm Evans, Ed.

‘ [58] to receive your letter of the 8th in reference to the withdrawal of the batteries from St. Simon's and Jekyl Islands. . . .I find it impossible to obtain guns to secure it as I desire, and now everything is requisite to fortify this city.’

After an examination of the St. Simon's and Jekyl Islands earthworks, Commander Godon went in the Potomska to the town of Brunswick and found the railroad depot and wharf had been set on fire and a train of cars on the point of leaving. The Mohican and Pocahontas were then brought up and anchored off the town and a large party of armed men were sent on shore; the town was entirely deserted and house furniture generally removed. Proclamations were posted, ‘urging the inhabitants to return to their homes and promising protection to the property of all good citizens.’ The landing parties returned to their vessels; no houses that were not open were entered, and no property of any kind was taken.

The Pocahontas and Potomska were then sent up Turtle River as far as navigable for vessels of their draught. On their return the Pocahontas on the 11th sent a boat on shore in the vicinity of Brunswick to procure fresh beef for the crew. Returning, the boat had scarcely left the beach when she was fired into by a party of 40 Confederate soldiers; two in the boat were killed, two seriously and four others slightly wounded. Assistant-Surgeon Rhoades, in charge of the boat, was then called upon to surrender, which he refused to do, and aided by Paymaster Kitchen and the uninjured portion of the crew, pulled as well as they could for the vessel. The Mohican and the Potomska, observing the attack, opened fire with shells on the enemy, who had been joined by a considerable force. The brave conduct of Surgeon Rhoades received high commendation.

Leaving the Mohican in these waters, Commander Godon