on 27 september 1877, "magnolia" departed savannah and headed for new york. two days out, a severe storm arose imperiling the ship. before dawn the next morning, the vessel began taking on water faster than her pumps could expel it. soon the engine room floor collapsed and, by 8:00 a.m., rising water put out the boiler's fires. after a futile struggle to pump out and bail out the ship, the master ordered the crew to abandon ship. no one was lost or injured in the sinking.