In July, 1862, the CSS "Nashville," under Capt. Baker, ran the Union blockade and entered Savannah by way of the Wilmington River with a cargo of arms. Loaded with cotton for Europe, she then attempted to escape through Ossabaw Sound, but the blockading squadron prevented her passage. She was withdrawn up the Great Ogeechee River, refitted as a raider, renamed "Rattlesnake," given a lower silhouette, and armed with heavier guns. In February, 1863, ready for sea, she moved downriver to Fort McAllister to plan her escape, but on the 27th she retired upstream when the armored monitor "Montauk," commanded by Comdr. J.L. Worden, USN, approached, and she ran aground in Seven Mile Reach a short distance above the fort. Early on the 28th, "Montauk" anchored near the fort and within 1200 yards of "Nashville (Rattlesnake)," then opened fire with 11-inch and 15-inch guns while her escort shelled the fort. Fires broke out, and soon "Nashville" was burning fore and aft; at 9:20 her pivot gun burst, at 9:40 her funnel went by the board, and at 9:55 her magazine exploded, leaving her shattered in smoking ruins. Although "Montauk" was not damaged by direct hits from the fort's guns, she struck a torpedo while moving downriver, which blew a hole in her bottom, and she was beached in the mud for repairs.