Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this ship’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Ship Information (from DANFS)¹,²:

Images:

³

Captain(s):
Lieutenant Commander Pendleton G. Watmough
Captain Image

Captain 2
Captain Image

Captain 3
Captain Image

First Offensive Order of Battle (June 13-18, 1864):

• Not Present (North Carolina)⁴

Second Offensive Order of Battle (June 19-30, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Third Offensive Order of Battle (July 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (North Carolina)⁵

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle (August 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (North Carolina)⁶
• Note: The Kansas began repairing at Philadelphia, PA on August 23, 1864.⁷

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle (September 1-October 13, 1864):

Not Present (repairing at Philadelphia) (September 1 & 16, 1864)⁸,⁹

Not Present (North Carolina) (October 1, 1864)¹⁰

• Armament: 1 x 100-pdr. Parrott rifle, 1 x 30-pdr. Parrott rifle, 2 x 12-pdr. rifles, 2 x 20-pdr. Dahlgren rifles, 2 x 9″ Dahlgren Smoothbores (September 26, 1864)¹¹

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle (October 14-31, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle (November 1-December 31, 1864):

Not Present (North Carolina) (November 1 and December 5, 1864)¹²,¹³,¹⁴

• Captain: Lieutenant Commander Pendleton G. Watmough (November 1 and December 5 & 15, 1864)¹⁵,¹⁶,¹⁷
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 8 x “guns” (December 15, 1864)¹⁸
• Note: On December 15, 1864, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.¹⁹

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle (January 1-February 28, 1865):

Not Present (North Carolina) (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²⁰,²¹,²²,²³

James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (February 25, 1865)²⁴

• Captain: Lieutenant Commander Pendleton G. Watmough (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²⁵,²⁶,²⁷,²⁸
• Crew Strength: 8 x “guns” (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²⁹,³⁰,³¹,³²
• Armament:
• Note: On January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.³³,³⁴,³⁵,³⁶

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle (March 1-April 2, 1865):

James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (March 18 and April 1, 1865)³⁷,³⁸

Moved to Chesapeake Bay (prior to April 15, 1865)³⁹

• Captain: Lieutenant Commander Pendleton G. Watmough (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴⁰,⁴¹,⁴²
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
  • 8 x “guns” (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴³,⁴⁴,⁴⁵
  • 2 x 9” Dahlgren Smoothbores, 1 x 11” Dahlgren Smoothbore, 2 x 20-pdr. Parrott rifles, 2 x heavy 12-pdrs. (March 31, 1865)⁴⁶
• Note: On March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Screw Class” vessel.⁴⁷,⁴⁸,⁴⁹

Siege of Petersburg Battles:

• TBD

Siege of Petersburg Involvement:⁵⁰

The first Kansas was built at Philadelphia Navy Yard with machinery taken from prize steamer Princess Royal; launched 29 September 1863; sponsored by Miss Annie McClellan; and commissioned at Philadelphia 21 December 1863, Lt. Comdr. Pendleton G. Watmough in command.

The day of her commissioning, the gunboat was ordered to Hampton Roads to join the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She arrived Newport News, Va., 30 December; but engine and boiler trouble required her to return to the Washington Navy Yard for repairs.

In March 1864 the gunboat was stationed at Wilmington, N.C., off New Inlet, where she served during most of the remainder of the war…

[SOPO Editor’s Note: The ship’s time in North Carolina has been omitted here.

After cleanup operations in the Wilmington area, Kansas moved to the James River late in February [1865] to support General Grant’s final drive to Richmond. From time to time during the closing weeks of the war, Kansas supported Army operations ashore with her guns, particularly near Petersburg. The day after General Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, the gunboat was ordered to a station off Cape Henry to prevent the escape of Confederate sympathizers who were reportedly planning to capture vessels in the bay.

Kansas entered the Philadelphia Navy Yard 23 April [1865] and decommissioned 4 May.

Bibliography:

Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

• USS Kansas

Sources:

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this ship’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Ship Information (from DANFS)¹,²:

Images:

Image Needed (Does One Exist?)

Captain(s):
Acting Ensign Jacob L. Hayes
³

Acting Ensign Frederick B. Allen
Captain Image

Captain 3
Captain Image

First Offensive Order of Battle (June 13-18, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC)⁴

Second Offensive Order of Battle (June 19-30, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Third Offensive Order of Battle (July 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (New York, NY)⁵

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle (August 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (repairing at Baltimore, MD)⁶

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle (September 1-October 13, 1864):

• Not Present (repairing at Baltimore, MD)⁷,⁸,⁹

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle (October 14-31, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle (November 1-December 31, 1864):

Not Present (repairing at Baltimore, MD)(November 1, 1864)¹⁰

Hampton Roads | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (December 5 & 15, 1864)¹¹,¹²

• Captain:
  • Acting Ensign Jacob L. Hayes (November 1, 1864)¹³
  • Not Listed. (December 5, 1864)¹⁴
  • Acting Ensign Frederick B. Allen (December 15, 1864)¹⁵
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
  • 2 x 12-pdr. Dahlgren howitzers (November ??, 1864)¹⁶
  • 2 x “guns” (December 15, 1864)¹⁷
• Note: On December 15, 1864, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.¹⁸

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle (January 1-February 28, 1865):

Hampton Roads | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (January 1, 1865)¹⁹

York River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (January 15, 1865)²⁰

James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (February 1, 15 & 25, 1865)²¹,²²,²³

• Captain: Acting Ensign Frederick B. Allen (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²⁴,²⁵,²⁶,²⁷
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 2 x “guns” (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²⁸,²⁹,³⁰,³¹
• Note: On January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.³²,³³,³⁴,³⁵

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle (March 1-April 2, 1865):

Detached [Where?] | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (March 18, 1865)³⁶

Not Present (April 1 & 15, 1865)³⁷,³⁸

• Captain: Acting Ensign Frederick B. Allen (March 18, 1865)³⁹
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 2 x “guns” (March 18, 1865)⁴⁰
• Note: On March 18, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Paddle Class” vessel.⁴¹

Siege of Petersburg Battles:

• TBD

Siege of Petersburg Involvement:⁴²

Isaac N. Seymour (also called Seymour, I. N. Seymour, and J. N. Seymour) was built at Keyport, N.J., in 1860 and was purchased by the Navy at New York from Mr. Schultz 26 October 1861. She was assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron 20 November and 3 days later was stationed in Hampton Roads…

[SOPO Editor’s Note: This ship’s activities early in the Civil War have been omitted.]

Isaac N. Seymour continued to serve in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron [in 1864], maintaining Union control of North Carolina’s inland waters and supporting Army operations from the James and York Rivers as General Grant supplied and supported by water, relentlessly pressed toward Richmond and victory.

Isaac N. Seymour was detached in March 1865 and decommissioned at Washington 16 May. She was transferred to the Light House Board 20 June which she served as Tulip until sold and redocumented Magnolia 7 June 1882. Magnolia was sold to a foreign owner in 1888.

Bibliography:

Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

• USS Isaac N. Seymour

Sources:

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this ship’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Ship Information (from DANFS)¹,²:

Images:

³

⁴

Ship Model Available:

Long Face Games Unadilla Class 90 Day Gunboat Ship Models Designs, 1/600 and 1/1200

Captain(s):
Lieutenant Commander Thomas O. Selfridge, Jr.
⁵

Captain 2
Captain Image

Captain 3
Captain Image

First Offensive Order of Battle (June 13-18, 1864):

• Not Present⁶

Second Offensive Order of Battle (June 19-30, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Third Offensive Order of Battle (July 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present⁷

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle (August 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present⁸
• Armament: 1 x 11-inch Dahlgren Smoothbore, 1 x 30-pdr. Parrott rifle, 4 x 24-pdr. howitzers (August 6, 1864)⁹

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle (September 1-October 13, 1864):

• Not Present (September 1 & 16 and October 1, 1864)¹⁰,¹¹,¹²

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle (October 14-31, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle (November 1-December 31, 1864):

Norfolk Navy Yard, Va. (repairing) (November 1, 1864)¹³

Not Present (away in NC) (December 5 & 15, 1864)¹⁴,¹⁵

• Captain: Lieutenant Commander Thomas O. Selfridge, Jr. (November 1 and December 5, 1864)¹⁶,¹⁷,¹⁸
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 5 x “guns” (December 15, 1864)¹⁹
• Note: On December 15, 1864, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.²⁰

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle (January 1-February 28, 1865):

Not Present (away in NC) (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²¹,²²,²³,²⁴

James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (February 25, 1865)²⁵

• Captain: Lieutenant Commander Thomas O. Selfridge, Jr. (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²⁶,²⁷,²⁸,²⁹
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 5 x “guns” (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)³⁰,³¹,³²,³³
• Note: January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.³⁴,³⁵,³⁶,³⁷

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle (March 1-April 2, 1865): James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865) (in Pagan Creek April 1 & 15)³⁸,³⁹,⁴⁰

• Captain: Lieutenant Commander Thomas O. Selfridge, Jr. (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴¹,⁴²,⁴³
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 5 x “guns” (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴⁴,⁴⁵,⁴⁶
• Note: On March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Screw Class” vessel.⁴⁷,⁴⁸,⁴⁹

Siege of Petersburg Battles:

• TBD

Siege of Petersburg Involvement:⁵⁰

The first Huron, a schooner-rigged screw steamer, was launched 21 September 1861 by Paul Curtis, Boston under Navy contract; and commissioned 8 January 1862 at Boston Navy Yard, Lt. John Downes in command…

[SOPO Editor’s Note: The ship’s earlier Civil War activity has been omitted here.]

The veteran blockader made two more captures in December 1863-January 1864, and later in 1864 moved north to join the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, whose main attention was turned to Wilmington, N.C., and its powerful defender, Fort Fisher. During the first attack on the fort 24 to 25 December 1864, Huron took part in the bombardment which was to cover the storming by Army troops. This first assault aborted, but preparations were quickly made for a second joint operation in January 1865. Again Huron provided a part of the devastating naval bombardment; and, with the help of a landing party of 2.000 Sailors and Marines, the Army assault forces captured Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865, effectually closing Wilmington to blockade runners. Then, during the final months of the war, Huron took part in combined operations against the city itself, bombarding Forts Anderson, and St Philip in February.

After Appomattox, responding to the attempted escape of President Davis of the Confederate States, Huron steamed to Key West in an effort to capture Confederate officials bound for Havana or Mexico by water. She arrived 2 May [1865], but Davis was captured near Iwinville, Ga., 10 May 1865.

Huron served on South American station after the Civil War, returning to New York and decommissioning 8 October 1868. She was sold at New York 14 June 1869.

Bibliography:

Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

• USS Huron

Sources:

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this ship’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Ship Information (from DANFS)¹,²:

Images:

Image Needed (Does One Exist?)

Captain(s):
Acting Ensign James M. Norman
Captain Image

Captain 2
Captain Image

Captain 3
Captain Image

First Offensive Order of Battle (June 13-18, 1864): Hampton Roads, Virginia | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (June 17, 1864)³

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Notes:
  • On June 17, 1864, this ship is noted as a “tug, without battery, in ordnance service.”⁴
  • Heliotrope typically served as a tug and ordnance boat with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla on January 23, 1865.⁵

Second Offensive Order of Battle (June 19-30, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Note: Heliotrope typically served as a tug and ordnance boat with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla on January 23, 1865.⁶

Third Offensive Order of Battle (July 1-31, 1864): Fourth Division (James River) | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (July 31, 1864)⁷

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Note: Heliotrope typically served as a tug and ordnance boat with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla on January 23, 1865.⁸

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle (August 1-31, 1864): Fourth Division (James River) | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (August 17, 1864)⁹

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Note: Heliotrope typically served as a tug and ordnance boat with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla on January 23, 1865.¹⁰

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle (September 1-October 13, 1864): Second Division (Hampton Roads and James River) | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (September 1 & 16 and October 1, 1864)¹¹,¹²,¹³

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Notes:
  • On September 16, 1864, this ship is noted as a “tug; Hampton Roads.”¹⁴
  • On October 1, 1864, this ship is noted as a “tug.”¹⁵
  • Heliotrope typically served as a tug and ordnance boat with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla on January 23, 1865.¹⁶

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle (October 14-31, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 1 x heavy 12-pdr. (October 23, 1864)¹⁷
• Note: Heliotrope typically served as a tug and ordnance boat with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla on January 23, 1865.¹⁸

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle (November 1-December 31, 1864):

Norfolk Navy Yard, Va. (repairing) | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (November 1, 1864)¹⁹

Hampton Roads, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (December 5, 1864)²⁰

Norfolk, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (December 15, 1864)²¹

• Captain: Acting Ensign James M. Norman (November 1 and December 5 & 15, 1864)²²,²³,²⁴
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 1 x “gun” (December 15, 1864)²⁵
• Notes:
  • On December 15, 1864, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.²⁶
  • Heliotrope typically served as a tug and ordnance boat with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla on January 23, 1865.²⁷

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle (January 1-February 28, 1865):

Norfolk, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (January 1 & 15, 1865)²⁸,²⁹

Hampton Roads | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (February 1, 1865)³⁰

• Captain: Acting Ensign James M. Norman (January 1 & 15 and February 1, 1865)³¹,³²,³³
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 1 x “gun” (January 1 & 15 and February 1, 1865)³⁴,³⁵,³⁶
• Notes:
  • On January 1 & 15 and February 1, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.³⁷,³⁸,³⁹
  • Heliotrope typically served as a tug and ordnance boat with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla on January 23, 1865.⁴⁰

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle (March 1-April 2, 1865):

• Not Present⁴¹
• Armament: 1 x 30-pdr. Parrott rifle, 1 x 12-pdr. rifle, 1 x heavy 12-pdr. rifle (April 1, 1865)⁴²
• Note: Heliotrope typically served as a tug and ordnance boat with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla on January 23, 1865.⁴³

Siege of Petersburg Battles:

• TBD

Siege of Petersburg Involvement:⁴⁴

Heliotrope, a wooden steamer, was originally named Maggie Baker, and was purchased by the Navy from her owner, Stacey Pitcher, at New York 16 December 1863. Renamed Heliotrope, she commissioned at New York Navy Yard 24 April 1864.

Heliotrope was assigned initially to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and sailed soon after her commissioning to Hampton Roads, Va., where she served as a tug and ordnance boat. She continued this duty with occasional patrols up the James River, until her transfer to the Potomac Flotilla 23 January 1865.

Heliotrope reported for her new duties early in February, and participated 6-8 March in a joint expedition up the Rappahannock River to Fredericksburg. In cooperation with Army units, Heliotrope and the other gunboats succeeded in destroying railroad facilities, a large quantity of track, and a depot of army supplies. Returning to routine patrolling in the Potomac, she embarked with other gunboats on another expedition 16 March, sending her small boats with about 50 men up Mattox Creek. Three schooners and various types of supplies were captured or destroyed on this 2-day foray.

The small gunboat continued her vital work of choking off Confederate supplies in the Potomac River area until mid-April, when she steamed for New York, arriving 20 April. Heliotrope decommissioned 12 January 1865 and was sold 17 June to the Department of the Treasury for use with the Lighthouse Service.

Bibliography:

Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

• ORN Series 1, Vol. X: Report of Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. Lee giving Stations of Vessels in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, June 17, 1864
• USS Heliotrope

Sources:

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this ship’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Ship Information (from DANFS)¹,²:

Images:

Image Needed (Does One Exist?)

Captain(s):
Acting Master’s Mate S. Eldridge
Captain Image

Captain 2
Captain Image

Captain 3
Captain Image

First Offensive Order of Battle (June 13-18, 1864):

• Not Present³
• Note: The first Harcourt, a screw tug, was purchased by the Navy at New York from a private owner 14 June 1864.⁴

Second Offensive Order of Battle (June 19-30, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Third Offensive Order of Battle (July 1-31, 1864): York River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (July 31, 1864)⁵

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Note: On July 31, 1864, this ship is noted as “ordered to Beaufort, N. C.”⁶

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle (August 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC) (pilot tug in Beaufort, NC)⁷

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle (September 1-October 13, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC) (pilot tug in Beaufort, NC) (September 1 & 16 and October 1, 1864)⁸,⁹,¹⁰

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle (October 14-31, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle (November 1-December 31, 1864):

Norfolk Navy Yard, Va. (repairing) | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (November 1, 1864)¹¹

Norfolk, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (December 5 & 15, 1864)¹²,¹³

• Captain: Not Listed (November 1 and December 5 & 15, 1864)¹⁴,¹⁵,¹⁶
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle (January 1-February 28, 1865): Norfolk, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (January 1 & 15 and February 1, 15 & 25, 1865)¹⁷,¹⁸,¹⁹,²⁰,²¹

• Captain: Not Listed. (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²²,²³,²⁴,²⁵
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Note: On January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.²⁶,²⁷,²⁸,²⁹

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle (March 1-April 2, 1865): James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865)³⁰,³¹,³²

• Captain:
  • Not Listed. (March 18, 1865)³³
  • Acting Master’s Mate S. Eldridge (April 1 & 15, 1865)³⁴,³⁵
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Note: On March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Screw Class” vessel.³⁶,³⁷,³⁸

Siege of Petersburg Battles:

• TBD

Siege of Petersburg Involvement:³⁹

The first Harcourt, a screw tug, was purchased by the Navy at New York from a private owner 14 June 1864.

Her first commanding officer was Acting Ensign J. A. Chadwick.

After a brief period as dispatch boat at Hampton Roads, Harcourt was ordered 31 July 1864 to Beaufort, N.C., to serve the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron as a pilot tug. She remained at Beaufort carrying pilots to and from ships in the harbor until returning to Norfolk for repairs in November 1864. She later spent a brief period as a patrol boat on the James River in March 1865, and in April assisted in towing the hulk of former C.S.S. Albemarle, the formidable ram sunk in Albemarle Sound 27 October 1864 by Lt. W. B. Cushing, to Norfolk Navy Yard, where she arrived 27 April. Harcourt performed various tug duties in Hampton Roads until placed in ordinary 20 November 1865. She was sold at Norfolk 16 April 1867.

Bibliography:

Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

• USS Harcourt

Sources:

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this ship’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Ship Information (from DANFS)¹,²:

Images:

Image Needed (Does One Exist?)

Captain(s):
Acting Ensign Henry Wheeler
Captain Image

Acting Master’s Mate William H. Bolton
Captain Image

Captain 3
Captain Image

First Offensive Order of Battle (June 13-18, 1864):

• Not Present (at Philadelphia, PA)³
• Captain: Acting Ensign Henry Wheeler (early June 1864)⁴

Second Offensive Order of Battle (June 19-30, 1864):

• Not Present (at Boston, MA)⁵

Third Offensive Order of Battle (July 1-31, 1864):

Not Present (at Boston, MA) (July 1-21, 1864)⁶

Arrived at Hampton Roads, Va. on July 22, 1864⁷

York River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (July 31, 1864)⁸

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Notes:
  • Glance arrived at Hampton Roads, Va., on July 20, 1864 for service as a yard tug until July 13, 1865 when ordered to Philadelphia for identical duty.⁹
  • Note: On July 31, 1864, this ship is noted as a “tug.”¹⁰

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle (August 1-31, 1864): York River, Virginia | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (August 17, 1864)¹¹

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Note: Glance served as a yard tug at Hampton Roads, Va. during this time.¹²

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle (September 1-October 13, 1864):

York River and Chesapeake Bay | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (September 1 & 16 and October 1, 1864)¹³,¹⁴,¹⁵

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Notes:
  • On September 1 & 16, 1864, this ship is noted as a “tug.”¹⁶,¹⁷
  • Glance served as a yard tug at Hampton Roads, Va. during this time.¹⁸

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle (October 14-31, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Note: Glance served as a yard tug at Hampton Roads, Va. during this time.¹⁹

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle (November 1-December 31, 1864):

York River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (November 1 and December 5, 1864)²⁰,²¹

James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (December 15, 1864)²²

• Captain:
  • Acting Master’s Mate William H. Bolton (November 1 and December 5, 1864)²³,²⁴
  • Acting Ensign Henry Wheeler (December 15, 1864)²⁵
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Notes:
  • On December 15, 1864, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.²⁶
  • Glance served as a yard tug at Hampton Roads, Va. during this time.²⁷

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle (January 1-February 28, 1865):

James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²⁸,²⁹,³⁰,³¹

Norfolk Navy Yard, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (February 25, 1865)³²

• Captain: Acting Ensign Henry Wheeler (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)³³,³⁴,³⁵,³⁶
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Notes:
  • On January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.³⁷,³⁸,³⁹,⁴⁰
  • Glance served as a yard tug at Hampton Roads, Va. during this time.⁴¹

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle (March 1-April 2, 1865): James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴²,⁴³,⁴⁴

• Captain: Acting Ensign Henry Wheeler (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴⁵,⁴⁶,⁴⁷
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 1 x “gun” (April 15, 1865)⁴⁸
• Notes:
  • Note: On March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Screw Class” vessel.⁴⁹,⁵⁰,⁵¹
  • Glance served as a yard tug at Hampton Roads, Va. during this time.⁵²

Siege of Petersburg Battles:

• TBD

Siege of Petersburg Involvement:⁵³

Glance was built in 1863 as the merchant tug Glide by Reany, Archibald & Sons, Philadelphia, Pa.; purchased by Rear Admiral S. H. Stringham at Boston 2 June 1864, and placed under command of Acting Ensign H. Wheeler.

Glance arrived at Hampton Roads, Va., on 20 July 1864 for service as yard tug until 13 July 1865 when ordered to Philadelphia for identical duty. She continued yard tug duties at Philadelphia until sold on 27 September 1883 to Mr. W. H. Swift, Boston, Mass.

Bibliography:

Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

• USS Glance

Sources:

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this ship’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Ship Information (from DANFS)¹,²:

Images:

³

Captain(s):
Lieutenant Roswell H. Lamson
⁴

Captain 2
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Samuel B. Washburn

Acting Master Charles B. Dahlgren
Captain Image

Captain 4
Captain Image

First Offensive Order of Battle (June 13-18, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC)⁵

Second Offensive Order of Battle (June 19-30, 1864):

• Not Present (source needed)
• Armament: 1 x 30-pdr. Parrott rifle, 2 x 12-pdr. rifles, 4 x 24-pdr. howitzers (June 30, 1864)⁶

Third Offensive Order of Battle (July 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC)⁷

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle (August 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (repairing at Norfolk, but not part of James River Division)⁸

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle (September 1-October 13, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC) (September 1 and October 1, 1864)⁹,¹⁰
• Not Present (repairing at Norfolk, but not part of James River Division) (September 16, 1864)¹¹

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle (October 14-31, 1864):

• Not Present (source needed)

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle (November 1-December 31, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC) (November 1 and December 5 & 15, 1864)¹²,¹³,¹⁴
• Captain: Lieutenant Roswell H. Lamson (November 1 and December 5 & 15, 1864)¹⁵,¹⁶,¹⁷
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
  • 7 x “guns” (December 15, 1864)¹⁸
  • 1 x 30-pdr. Parrott rifle, 2 x 32-pdr. 27 cwt., 4 x 24-pdr. howitzers (December 31, 1864)¹⁹
• Note: On December 15, 1864, this ship is noted as a “Class 3” vessel.²⁰

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle (January 1-February 28, 1865):

Not Present (away in NC) (January 1 & 15 and February 1, 1865)²¹,²²,²³

Norfolk Navy Yard, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (February 15, 1865)²⁴

• Captain:
  • Lieutenant Roswell H. Lamson (January 1 & 15 and February 15, 1865)²⁵,²⁶,²⁷
  • Acting Master Charles B. Dahlgren (February 1, 1865)²⁸
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 7 x “guns” (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²⁹,³⁰,³¹,³²
• Notes:
  • Gettysburg is not listed in the February 25, 1865 and March 18, 1865 lists of vessels composing the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.  I am unsure where she was located during this time frame.  More research is needed.³³,³⁴
  • On January 1 & 15 and February 1, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Class 3” vessel.³⁵,³⁶,³⁷,³⁸

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle (March 1-April 2, 1865):

??? (prior to April 1, 1865) (see note below)

Ordered to City Point, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (April 1, 1865) ³⁹

Norfolk, Va. (repairing) | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (April 15, 1865)⁴⁰

• Captain: Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Samuel B. Washburn (April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴¹,⁴²
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 7 x “guns” (April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴³,⁴⁴
• Notes:
  • Gettysburg is not listed in the February 25, 1865 and March 18, 1865 lists of vessels composing the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.  I am unsure where she was located during this time frame.  More research is needed.⁴⁵,⁴⁶
  • Note: On April 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Paddle Class” vessel.⁴⁷,⁴⁸

Siege of Petersburg Battles:

• TBD

Siege of Petersburg Involvement:⁴⁹

The first Gettysburg, formerly Douglass, then Margaret and Jessie, was built at Glasgow, Scotland, in 1858, and was captured as a blockade runner 5 November 1863 by Fulton, Keystone State, and Nansemond off Wilmington, N.C. She was purchased from the New York Prize Court by the Navy and commissioned Gettysburg at New York Navy Yard, 2 May 1864, Lieutenant Roswell H. Lamson commanding.

A fast, strong steamer, Gettysburg was assigned blockading duty with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and departed New York 7 May 1864. She arrived at Beaufort, N.C., 14 May and from there took station at the entrance to the Cape Fear River.

For the next 7 months, Gettysburg was engaged in the vital business of capturing blockade runners carrying supplies to the strangling South. She captured several snips, and occasionally performed other duties. On 8 October, for instance, she rescued six survivors from schooner Home, which had capsized in a squall.

Gettysburg took part in the the attack on Fort Fisher 24-25 December 1864. Gettysburg assisted with the devastating bombardment prior to the landings by Army troops, and during the actual landings stood in close to shore to furnish cover for the assault. Gettysburg’s boats were used to help transport troops to the beaches.

With the failure of the first attack on the formidable Confederate works, plans were laid for a second assault, this time including a landing force of Sailors and Marines to assault the sea face of the fort. In this attack, 15 January 1865, Gettysburg again engaged the fort in the preliminary bombardment, and furnished a detachment of Sailors under Lieutenant Lamson and other officers in a gallant assault, which was stopped under the very ramparts of Fort Fisher. Lamson and a group of officers and men were forced to spend the night in a ditch under Confederate guns before they could escape. Though failing to take the sea face of Fort Fisher, the attack by the Navy diverted enough of the defenders to make the Army assault successful and insure victory. Gettysburg suffered two men killed and six wounded in the assault.

Gettysburg spent the remaining months of the war on blockade duty off Wilmington, and operated from April to June between Boston and Norfolk carrying freight and passengers. She decommissioned 23 June 1865 at New York Navy Yard.

Bibliography:

Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

• USS Gettysburg

Sources:

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this ship’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Ship Information (from DANFS)¹,²:

Images:

³

Captain(s):
Acting Master Francis R. Webb
⁴

Captain 2
Captain Image

Captain 3
Captain Image

First Offensive Order of Battle (June 13-18, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC and acting as a transport)⁵
• Armament: 1 x 20-pdr. Dahlgren rifle, 1 x 10-pdr. rifle (May 23, 1864)⁶

Second Offensive Order of Battle (June 19-30, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Third Offensive Order of Battle (July 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC acting as a coal transport)⁷

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle (August 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC acting as a coal transport)⁸

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle (September 1-October 13, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC acting as a coal transport) (ordered to NYC to repair a lost propeller on October 1, 1864)⁹,¹⁰,¹¹

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle (October 14-31, 1864):

• Not Present (source needed)

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle (November 1-December 31, 1864):

Not Present (repairing at NYC) (November 1, 1864)¹²

Not Present (away in NC) (December 5 & 15, 1864)¹³,¹⁴

• Captain: Acting Master Francis R. Webb (December 15, 1864)¹⁵
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 5 x “guns”¹⁶
• Note: On December 15, 1864, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.¹⁷

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle (January 1-February 28, 1865):

Not Present (away in NC) (January 1 and February 1, 1865)¹⁸,¹⁹

Hampton Roads. Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (January 15 and February 15, 1865)²⁰,²¹

Dispatch Vessel [Where?] | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (February 25, 1865)²²

• Captain: Acting Master Francis R. Webb (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²³,²⁴,²⁵,²⁶
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
  • 5 x “guns” (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)²⁷,²⁸,²⁹,³⁰
  • 1 x 2-pdr. Parrott rifle, 4 x 24-pdr. howitzers (January 10, 1865)³¹
• Note: On January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.³²,³³,³⁴,³⁵

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle (March 1-April 2, 1865):

White House, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (March 18, 1865)³⁶

Hampton Roads, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (April 1, 1865)³⁷

Ordered to South Atlantic Squadron (on or before April 15, 1865)³⁸

• Captain: Acting Master Francis R. Webb (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865)³⁹,⁴⁰,⁴¹
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 5 x “guns” (March 18 and April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴²,⁴³,⁴⁴
• Note: On March 18 and aPril 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Screw Class” vessel.³⁹,⁴⁰,⁴¹

Siege of Petersburg Battles:

• TBD

Siege of Petersburg Involvement:⁴⁸

Fahkee was built in 1862 at Williamsburg, N.Y.; purchased by the Navy 15 July 1863; and commissioned 24 September 1863, Acting Master F. R. Webb in command.

A coal and freight supply ship, Fahkee served the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from the time of her commissioning through the close of the war. She carried cargo from New York, Norfolk, and Newport News to the fleet on the North Carolina coast, and also gave towing services and patrolled on blockade at frequent intervals. Fahkee first came under fire 3 January 1864 in Lockwood’s Folly Inlet near Beaufort, S.C., when she passed through musket and shell fire from shore to investigate Bendigo, a blockade runner grounded and afire. Fahkee shelled the ship to further her destruction, which was completed the next day by other ships.

While blockading Wilmington, N.C., in the spring and summer of 1864, Fahkee was several times fired upon by Confederate shore batteries, and on 24 August, engaged a blockade runner. Returning to the same area after a voyage to New York and Hampton Roads, in December she twice fired on grounded blockade runners. In January 1865, she carried cargo from Norfolk to Beaufort and to the fleet operating against Fort Fisher.

In April 1865, at the close of the war, Fahkee was assigned to the South Atlantic Squadron, and from Port Royal, provisioned ships at Charleston and those cruising the coast of the Carolinas. She also cruised with the Squadron off Cuba before arriving at Philadelphia 19 June. There she was decommissioned 28 June 1865, and sold 10 August 1865.

Bibliography:

Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

• USS Fahkee

Sources:

Editor’s Note: Do you have information on this ship’s role at the Siege of Petersburg?  Please contact us using the Contact button in the menu at the top of the screen.  We are happy to exchange information with other researchers.

Ship Information (from DANFS)¹,²:

Images:

³

Captain(s):
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Henry Brown
Captain Image

Captain 2
Captain Image

Captain 3
Captain Image

First Offensive Order of Battle (June 13-18, 1864):

• Not Present (recently captured blockade runner Thistle)⁴
• Note: Thistle, a side wheel steamer, was captured by Fort Jackson 4 June 1864 while running the blockade off the coast of North Carolina…⁵

Second Offensive Order of Battle (June 19-30, 1864):

• Not Present (recently captured blockade runner Thistle)⁶
• Note: Thistle, a side wheel steamer, was captured by Fort Jackson 4 June 1864 while running the blockade off the coast of North Carolina…⁷

Third Offensive Order of Battle (July 1-31, 1864):

• Not Present (at prize court in Boston, MA)⁸
• Note: Thistle, a side wheel steamer, was captured by Fort Jackson 4 June 1864 while running the blockade off the coast of North Carolina; sent to Boston for condemnation; purchased from the prize court 20 July 1864…⁹

Fourth Offensive Order of Battle (August 1-31, 1864):

Not Present¹⁰

• Captain: Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Henry Brown (August 13, 1864)¹¹
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
• Note: Thistle, a side wheel steamer, was captured by Fort Jackson 4 June 1864 while running the blockade off the coast of North Carolina; sent to Boston for condemnation; purchased from the prize court 20 July 1864; renamed Dumbarton; and commissioned 13 August 1864, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Henry Brown in command.¹²

Fifth Offensive Order of Battle (September 1-October 13, 1864):

• Not Present (away in NC)¹³,¹⁴,¹⁵

Sixth Offensive Order of Battle (October 14-31, 1864):

• Captain:
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:

Seventh Offensive Order of Battle (November 1-December 31, 1864):

Not Present (away in NC) (November 1 and December 1, 1864)¹⁶,¹⁷

Norfolk Navy Yard, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (December 15, 1864)¹⁸

• Captain: Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Henry Brown (November 1 and December 5 & 15, 1864)¹⁹,²⁰,²¹
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
  • 2 x 32-pdr. 33 cwt., 2 x 12-pdr. howitzers (November 9, 1864)²²
  • 4 x “guns” (December 15, 1864)²³
• Note: On December 15, 1864, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.²⁴

Eighth Offensive Order of Battle (January 1-February 28, 1865): Norfolk, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (January 1 & 15 and February 1, 15 & 25, 1865)²⁵,²⁶,²⁷,²⁸,²⁹

• Captain: Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Henry Brown (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)³⁰,³¹,³²,³³
• Crew Strength:
• Armament: 4 x “guns” (January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865)³⁴,³⁵,³⁶,³⁷
• Notes:
  • On January 1 & 15 and February 1 & 15, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Class 4” vessel.³⁸,³⁹,⁴⁰,⁴¹
  • Dumbarton served as flagship of Rear Admiral W. Radford in the James River, Va., from February 17 to March 27, 1865.⁴²

Ninth Offensive Order of Battle (March 1-April 2, 1865):

James River, Va. | North Atlantic Blockading Squadron | Union Navy (March 18, 1865)⁴³

Not Present (where did Dumbarton go, presumably on March 27, 1865?)(April 1 & 15, 1865)⁴⁴,⁴⁵

• Captain: Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Henry Brown (March 18, 1865)⁴⁶
• Crew Strength:
• Armament:
  • 4 x “guns” (March 18, 1865)⁴⁷
  • 2 x 32-pdr. 33 cwt., 2 x 12-pdr. rifles, 1 x 20-pdr. Parrott rifle (March 31, 1865)⁴⁸
• Notes:
  • On March 18, 1865, this ship is noted as a “Paddle Class” vessel.⁴⁹
  • Dumbarton served as flagship of Rear Admiral W. Radford in the James River, Va., from February 17 to March 27, 1865. She seems to have left the area around the latter date.  More research is needed.⁵⁰

Siege of Petersburg Battles:

• TBD

Siege of Petersburg Involvement:⁵¹

Thistle, a side wheel steamer, was captured by Fort Jackson 4 June 1864 while running the blockade off the coast of North Carolina; sent to Boston for condemnation; purchased from the prize court 20 July 1864; renamed Dumbarton; and commissioned 13 August 1864, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant H. Brown in command.

Dumbarton’s first assignment was to search for raider CSS Tallahassee along the Atlantic coast. She then joined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron at Beaufort, N.C., and served on the blockade of Wilmington, N.C., until 6 December 1864.

After being at Norfolk Navy Yard Dumbarton served as flagship of Rear Admiral W. Radford in the James River, Va., from 17 February to 27 March 1865. She was out of commission at Washington Navy Yard until 11 November 1865 when she was taken to New York Navy Yard and placed in ordinary. She was sold there 15 October 1867.

Bibliography:

Siege of Petersburg Documents Which Mention This Unit:

• USS Dumbarton

Sources: