Destruction of the Boston

Front: On May 23-24, 1864, Union forces attempted an amphibious operation to destroy a railroad trestle across the Ashepoo River. Soldiers from the 34th U.S.C.T. were carried up the Ashepoo on the steamer Boston. The boat was grounded on an oyster bed 300 yds. in front of a Confederate position at Chapman’s Fort (approx. 1/2 mile west of this spot) and C.S.A. artillery would lob 200 shells at the Boston. Reverse: Using one small rowboat, Lt. George Brush of the 34th U.S.C.T. made multiple trips under fire to ferry 400 members of his command to safety. 13 were killed. After the Boston was evacuated it was set afire. Brush and four other men, William Downey, John Duffy, David Gifford, and Patrick Scalan, all of the 4th MA Cavalry, were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the engagement.