The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-11-04
COMMUNICATIONS.
Captain George B. Pendleto, n. !.

r = "a fI+l
PoRTLAND, Nov. i, 1864.
MIR. EDITOR I'VE were very much pleased
in meeting Capt. George ii. Pendleton q day
or two since on his return from rebel Prison,
where he had been confined some ten
months. 81 e-&- q g " Ai ~ NC p
aal Captain Pendlelon was Acting Master and
Executive Officer on board Of the United
States Steamer Montgomery at the time he
was captured. 1t will be recollected that on
the morning fthe sth of Jan. last, the Mont
gomery discovered rebel Steamer attempt
ing to get away from the blockading feet af-
ter an unsuccessful attempt'to get into Will
mington during the night. Chase was at once,
given by the Montgomery and Aries, when
the steamer hoisted the rebel flag. It soon
became apparent that she was gaining upon
our steamers, Notwithstanding their well
known speed Several shots were fred at her
one of which took effect in one OF her paddle
boxes. favorable breeze soon springing up
for the Union vessels, it was soon made GER
tain that the blockade runner could not es-
cape. She was determined not 10 be captured
and headed for the land, and was run ashore
near Georgetown Light, s. c. e s9asek ia
The boats were Immediately lowered from
the Union steamers. and with armed crews
the rebsl steamer was boarded, not however,
until all on board had gained the shore.
The surf running very high at the time
made the boarding of the vessel extremely
dangerous and difficult, and rendered it i'm
possible to get the steamer off, aAmcorrespon-
dent from the feet at the time writes :-@After
setting her on fire the oficersoand crew re-
paired to their. boats. A very trying time for
the boats crews now sensued.J The surf was
SO high, that twas almost impossible to push
from the burning vessel. Six boats had es-
capped the danger when It was discovered that
boat from the Aries had been swamped and
all hands were foundering in the water. Capt.
PendletOn in charge Of a launch at once re-
turned to rescue the unfortunate men, and
succeeded in taking FIVE from the surf. Hav-
ing accomplished this noble and daring act,
he was again nearing bis steamer, when others
were seen In the waves Turning once more
to the good work, his boat soon became un-
manageable, and was thrown upon the beach.
Night coming on, il was impossible to render
them any assistance, and we Nfelt thankful
when we saw them safe on land. Our two
steamers lay by at anchor till morning, when
it was discovered that they had been captured
during the night by rebel cavalry, as several
hundred were seenupon the coast" '''3
,ss This correspondent adds: "The bravery
and nobleness Of conduct, on the part Of Act
ing Master G. II. Pendleton, Ia commendabie
in the highest degree" 3 ..i5 s.. ga
But few days before this Captain p. COM
manded boat expedition from the feet and
boarded another blockade runner and Destroy
ed her. ai
There were 25 men taken with the Captain,
all of whom are dead except two. They were
marched as miles to Kingstree, thence to
Charleston, where they were kept in a cell
for five months under fire from our batter
les. -leli
In May they were sent to Macon Ga, where
they were confined within a stockade with
1900 other Union officers. On the 10Th of
July, Stoneman's approachj indicated to the
rebel authorities that they were not safe, and
900 of them were sent back to Charleston and
the balance to Savannah. 5aalzsdmeo 20
On the 1st of last month, an exchange of,
Naval officers as effected, and the Union Of
hcers sent to Libby Prison, sRichmond, where
they remained three weeks and were reIeas-
ed. Nl5a5-4 foI le4
The Captains bravery and efficiency are
fully appreciated by the Department and pro-
motion awaits him.
he left in confinement Lieut. c. o. Hunt,
9th Me. Battery, Lieut.. Col. Mattocks of the
17th Ragt, Capt. Lttchfeld of the 4th, and
Capt Benson of the 1st d. G. Cavalry, also
many other officers of Maine Regiments, with
whom he had been intimately associated. S9H
@ His account Of the treatment of our officers
and men in those Southern prisons is awful
beyond description and calls loudly for retail
iafion of the Butler stripe. He gives an in-
teIligent account of matters there, and hope
z in few days to be able to furnish IL for your
readers. ,.s .f,-e- ,sTst
5s How proud Maine should be of her officers
and men in the Army and Navy. 55sg
The Capt. is now on visit to his father in
Gorham, and would give any information, in
his power, to such as have friends in prison at
the South. ....-..s j.. .ba4aI 40 lao M. D