USS Kensington (1862)

The second USS "Kensington" was a steamship in the United States Navy.

"Kensington" was built at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by J. W. Lynn in 1858 and was purchased by the Union Navy at Boston, Massachusetts, 27 January 1862. She commissioned at Boston Navy Yard 15 February, Acting Master Frederick Crocker in command.

Blockading operations

The wooden steamer departed Boston 24 February for the Gulf of Mexico, but heavy winds, rough seas, and engine trouble required her to stop at Charleston, South Carolina, for repairs. While, at Charleston she was of great service to ships of the North Atlantic Squadron furnishing them with fresh water. The supply and water vessel resumed her voyage in April and joined the West Gulf Blockading Squadron at New Orleans, Louisiana, 4 May.

Ordered to the Mississippi

After bringing water and supplies to Flag Officer Farragut's ships blockading the Gulf Coast, USS Kensington was ordered to ascend the Mississippi River towing "Horace Beals" and "Sarah Bruen", both of Comdr. David D. Porter's Mortar Flotilla. While passing Ellis Cliffs, Mississippi, the three ships came under fire of Confederate batteries. Their answering salvos silenced the Southern guns enabling the Union force to continue passage to Vicksburg. After placing her charges in position to bombard the cliff side batteries which defended Vicksburg, "Kensington" remained with Porter's flotilla issuing water and supplies and from time to time assisting sailing ships to change positions. After dropping down the river in mid-July, the water and supply ship visited blockaders stationed along the Louisiana and Texas coast. She joined "Rachel Seaman" and "Henry Janes" in bombarding Confederate batteries at Sabine Pass, Texas, 24 and 25 September. The action was broken off when defending troops spiked their guns and evacuated the fort. Though Sabine Pass surrendered the next day, a shortage of troops prevented the Union Navy from occupying the area. Nevertheless, this operation and similar attacks were a constant drain on Southern strength, and compelled the Confederacy to disperse its forces widely.

Capturing Confederate Vessels

During operations along western Gulf coast in September and October, "Kensington" captured British blockade running schooners Velocity. Adventure, Dart, and West Florida. She also took Confederate schooners Conchita, Dart, and Mary Ann; sloop Eliza; and steamer Dan. "Kensington" began her voyage to Pensacola, Florida, with her prizes 13 October, delivering water en route to blockading ships stationed along the coast of Texas. Arriving Pensacola, Florida. 24 October, the fighting supply ship began operating from that base, capturing Confederate schooner Course 11 November and British schooner Maria Alfred the next day. "Kensington" moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, 26 January 1863 and 5 months later set sail for New York for long needed repairs. Back in fighting trim 1 August 1864, "Kensington" functioned as a supply vessel for ships of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron until 30 November. She sailed from Boston as a transport vessel 7 December visiting Port Royal, Key West, Florida, Mobile, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida, and New Orleans, Louisiana. After returning to New York 11 January 1865, "Kensington" made two similar voyages to Southern ports.

Decommissioning

"Kensington" was decommissioned 5 May 1865. She was sold at public auction at New York to Brown & Co. 12 July 1865 and redocumented 31 July. "Kensington" sank after colliding with an unknown sailing vessel at sea on January 27 1871.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/k2/kensington-ii.htm