one of "augusta"s more interesting experiences during the war occurred on the morning of 13 may 1862 when the confederate armed steamer steamed out of charleston harbor. this vessel had been used by the confederate army as a transport and dispatch boat. while "planter" had been moored to a wharf in charleston and her captain was ashore, her pilot — a slave named robert smalls — had embarked his family and a few friends and quietly slipped out to sea. when "planter" had passed beyond range of the last southern gun, smalls lowered her confederate colors and hoisted a white flag, before steaming up to the union clipper ship and surrendering. his brave deed brought freedom to himself, seven other black men, five women, and three children. the following day, parrott — the senior naval officer of charleston — sent "planter" to port royal where du pont took her into the union navy.