The Last Cruise of the Saginaw

A naval assignment to support harbor improvements at Midway becomes a struggle to survive on a remote coral island. George H. Read recounts the last cruise of the United States steamer Saginaw as a participant, beginning with repairs in California and a departure in February 1870. Visits to Honolulu and descriptions of low islands and hazardous reefs establish the practical setting of the voyage.

After the ship strikes a reef, the account follows the work of saving provisions and preparing a small boat to seek help. Read’s letter home describes ninety-three men on Ocean Island, short food allowances and clothing salvaged from the wreck. Preparations for Lieutenant Talbot’s departure include checking food tins, packing instruments and sealing letters against the sea. These ordinary tasks give the danger a human scale. The narrative will interest readers of maritime history who want a firsthand account of resourcefulness, responsibility and the strain of waiting for relief.