USS Thistle (1862)

USS "Thistle" (1862) was a Union Army steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War.

"Thistle" was placed in service and used by the Navy as a tugboat and, when the opportunity presented itself, as a gunship, in the blockade of ports of the Confederate States of America.

Civil War operations

Transfer of "Thistle" from the Army to the Navy

"Thistle" -- formerly the Army tug "Spiteful" -- was transferred by the War Department to the Union Navy on 1 October 1862.

Assigned to the Mississippi Squadron as a tug and recon vessel

"Thistle" deployed with the Mississippi Squadron as a tug and reconnaissance vessel in October 1862 and participated in the capture of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Port, Arkansas, on 11 January 1863.

From 14 to 27 March, she took part in an expedition into Steele's Bayou, Mississippi, attempting to find an entrance into the Yazoo River, Mississippi, and a rear approach to the Confederate stronghold at Vicksburg, Mississippi.

After the expedition failed, "Thistle" rejoined the squadron in the Mississippi River. There, she performed dispatch and reconnaissance duty for the remainder of the war.

Post-war decommissioning and sale

"Thistle" was decommissioned at Mound City, Illinois., on 12 August 1865 and was sold at public auction there on 17 August to J. T. Haight.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War
* Stevens Battery

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/t4/thistle-i.htm Thistle]