Two entries in CSR of Sgt. William J. McGrew (or J. W. McGrew)of Co K of the 20th TX Inf. indicate that he was aboard the gunboat Sachem at Sabine Pass.

Return dated Nov. 3, 1863, Galveston states that by the authority of Col. Buchel, Order No. 26 dated Oct. 7, 1863, his detail/absence was on Gunboat Sachem at Sabine Pass.

Return dated Jany.9, 1864. states that by the authority of Col. Buchel, Order No. 26 dated Oct. 7, 1863, he was employed on Gunboat Sachem as a guard at Sabine Pass.

I found the history of the Sechem in the Dictionary of American Fighting Ships, but the history seems a bit sketchy after she was captured by the Confederates. Is there more on her and this episode in other books or repositories?

McGrew, a relative, went on to become a 1st Lt. by the end of the war. After the war, he was the county attorney for Montgomery County and was killed in an infamous shootout there during Reconstruction in 1868.

Thanks,
Sue M.