CSS Archer

CSS "Archer" was originally a fishing schooner captured by the Confederate cruiser CSS "Tacony" during the American Civil War and converted into a Confederate cruiser for commerce raiding.

The CSS "Tacony", commanded by Lt. Charles W. Read, captured the "Archer" on June 25, 1863 off the coast of Portland, Maine. Knowing that the Union was on a hunt for his ship, he transferred the crew and armaments to it and destroyed the "Tacony".

Read decided to try and capture the revenue cutter "Caleb Cushing" on his way down the coast of New England. On June 27, 1863, the "Archer" sailed into Portland, Maine harbor in Maine and docked, disguising itself as schooner. At night, the "Cushing" was boarded and the crew placed below decks. The "Archer" and the "Caleb Cushing" then sailed out of the harbor in the dawn. When the disappearance of the "Cushing" was noticed, ships were sent in pursuit, and due to the failing wind, were able to catch up and capture the "Archer", but not before Read had set the magazine onboard the "Cushing" on fire.

Officers and crew

* Lt. Charles W. Read, commander
* Billups, Matthewson, and Pride, master's mates
* Brown, engineer
* 16 men

Notes and references

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*DANFS