The Daily Dispatch: November 14, 1863., [Electronic resource]

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Destruction of another Blockade Runner.

The large and swift steamer Robert E. Lee, formerly the Giraffe, Capt. Wilson, was destroyed by her officers off Wilmington, at an early hour on Wednesday morning. The Lee attempted to run past the blockaders, but suddenly found herself almost completely surrounded. The fire soon became so hot from the many guns of the enemy that the noble vessel was run ashore and fired by her own officers. She was entirely consumed. The Lee was a Government steamer, and contained a cargo of very valuable Government stores. Her loss will be seriously felt. She had made many trips — had probably paid for herself several times; but her loss is none the less to be regretted on that account.

Since writing the above we hear it has been rumored here that the Lee was not burnt, but made her escape by running back again, and that the fire which was supposed to be her conflagration was not that, but a fire on shore. This statement is not confirmed, however, by any intelligence received here.