two days later, "augusta" — towing "seneca" — departed port royal. upon her arrival at philadelphia on 3 september, parrott commented, "the "augusta" is the best sea boat i have ever seen; is fast, and, having very little motion, the steadiness of her decks aids very much the accuracy of her fire. i think her well worthy of an improved battery and a thorough outfit." the ship was decommissioned on 17 september, and the philadelphia navy yard gave her a speedy overhaul so that she might get to sea in pursuit of the confederate commerce raider which had recently been preying upon union shipping in the north atlantic.