USS Covington (1863)

USS "Covington" (1863) was purchased by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was assigned as a simple gunboat with powerful rifled guns to intercept blockade runners attempting to run the Union blockade of the Confederate States of America.

"Covington" did not carry mortars or howitzers, which placed her at a disadvantage when attacked riverside in 1864 by Confederate troops. Losing the battle, she was set on fire and most of the crew fortunately escaped.

Purchased in Ohio in 1863

"Covington", a side wheel steamer, was purchased in February 1863 from Samuel Wiggins at Cincinnati, Ohio; fitted for service at Cairo, Illinois; and assigned to the Mississippi Squadron, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. S. Kurd in command.

Civil War service

Serving in the Tennessee River to convoy Union Army transports and other ships, "Covington" had frequent encounters with Confederates along the banks.

Mississippi River operations

On June 18, she was transferred to the Mississippi River for similar duty on that river and the White, Black, and Red Rivers. Arriving at Memphis, Tennessee on June 20, 1863, she sailed the following day convoying USS|General Lyon|1860|2 and USS|Little Rebel|1859|2. She seized the steamer "Eureka" at Commerce, Missouri, on July 2 for violation of the river blockade and sent her into Cairo, Illinois. On August 6 she aided USS|Paw Paw|1863|2, sunk by a snag.

Covington burned by her crew

Ordered to report to Alexandria, Louisiana on April 27, 1864, "Covington" sailed with USS|Signal|1862|2 protecting the Army transport "Warner" down the Red River.

About 25 miles below Alexandria, they were attacked by Confederate infantry in force. After five hours of bitter fighting, the transport was captured and the two escorts ("Covington" and "Signal") were so badly damaged that they had to be abandoned and set afire. After "Covington" was set on fire by her crew, Lieutenant Lord and 32 of "Covington's" crew escaped to Alexandria.

"Signal", however, was not so fortunate. After setting the ship on fire, her crew was captured by Confederate forces and made prisoners-of-war.

References

ee also

* Confederate States Navy
*

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c14/covington-i.htm USS Covington]
* [http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-c/covngtn.htm USS Covington (1863-1864, "Tinclad" # 25)]