USS Commodore Read (1857)

USS "Commodore Read" (1857) was a former ferry acquired by the Union Navy for use during the American Civil War. Because of her shallow draft, she was useful for patrols in rivers and streams. And, because of her ferryboat structure, she was useful as a gun platform or for carrying passengers or prisoners.

"Commodore Read", formerly the ferryboat "Atlantic", was built in 1857 and purchased by the Navy at New York, 19 August 1863; fitted out at New York Navy Yard; and commissioned 8 September 1863, Acting Master E. S. Turner in command.

American Civil War service

Assigned to duty with the Potomac Flotilla, she put to sea on 12 September 1863, arriving at Washington Navy Yard 3 days later. The ship was constantly employed in the rivers and creeks of Virginia, on picket and patrol duty; transporting troops and prisoners of war; towing vessels; capturing and destroying enemy boats and other property; and engaging in frequent action with Confederate cavalry, shore batteries, and ships.

A typical operation

Typical of her service was an expedition to Fredericksburg, Virginia, from 6 to 8 March 1865, when she joined USS|Yankee|1861, USS|Delaware|1861, and USS|Heliotrope|1963 to cooperate with the Army in the destruction of Hamilton's Crossing. The expedition, commanded by Colonel Roberts on board "Commodore Read", destroyed the railroad depot and bridge, 28 loaded railway cars, an army wagon train, miles of railroad track, and telegraph equipment, as well as capturing 30 prisoners, tobacco, bales of cotton, 28 mules, and mail.

Decommissioning

Arriving at the Washington Navy Yard 30 May 1865, "Commodore Read" was sold there 20 July 1865.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c12/commodore_read.htm USS Commodore Read]