USS Calypso (1863)

USS "Calypso" (1863) was a steamer captured by the Union Navy during the American Civil War.

"Calypso" was used by the Navy as a gunboat, and was ordered to patrol navigable waterways of the Confederacy to prevent the South from trading with other countries.

"Calypso" captured by Union Navy forces

"Calypso", an armed streamer, was captured 11 June 1863 off Wilmington, North Carolina, by "Florida"; purchased from the prize court 12 October 1863; and commissioned 24 September 1863, Acting Master F. D. Stuart in command.

Civil War service

Assigned to the North Atlantic Blockade

"Calypso" joined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron off Wilmington, North Carolina, and on 24 October 1863, took her first prize off Frying Pan Shoals, the schooner "Herald". Returning to Norfolk, Virginia, in November for repairs, the steamer was back on duty off Wilmington 31 March 1864.

In June she joined with "Nansemond" in sailing to New River Inlet to support the Union Army in an expedition to cut the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad. The troops were successfully landed from "Nansemond" in boats from both ships on 21 June, and through the next days, "Calypso's" boats patrolled up the river and carried supplies to the Army. When Confederate opposition prevented the linkup of the landing party with a force moving overland, "Calypso" swiftly evacuated the soldiers.

Patrolling for blockade runners from the Bahama Islands

Through the summer, "Calypso" patrolled the track of ships attempting to run the blockade from Nassau, Bahamas, and on 28 October 1864, after a long chase and last minute aid from "Eolus" and "Fort Jackson", took the steamer "Lady Sterling". "Calypso" was sent north with her prize 6 November, and after receiving repairs at New York City, returned late in spring 1865 to cruising from Chesapeake Bay to the coast of Florida.

Post-war decommissioning and sale

She was decommissioned at the Washington Navy Yard 15 August 1865, and was sold at New York City 30 November 1865.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c2/calypso-i.htm USS Calypso]