USS C. P. Williams (1861)

USS "C. P. Williams" (1861) was a mortar schooner acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used for various purposes, but, especially for bombardment because of her large 13-inch mortar that could fire up and over tall riverbanks.

Purchased in New York City in 1861

"C. P. Williams" was purchased by the Navy Department at New York City 2 September 1861; fitted out as a mortar schooner; commissioned 21 January 1862, Acting Master A. R. Langthorne in command; and reported to the Mortar Flotilla in the Mississippi River.

Civil War service

Assigned to the Mississippi Mortar Flotilla

Between 13 March and 17 July 1862 "C. P. Williams" cruised the lower Mississippi River, joining in the bombardments of Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip, Louisiana, between 18 and 23 April, and Vicksburg, Mississippi, from 27 June to 3 July as well as blockading Berwick Bay.

Reassigned to the South Atlantic Blockade

"C. P. Williams" sailed north on 17 July 1862 for repairs at Baltimore, Maryland, during September and October. On 9 November, she joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron at Port Royal, South Carolina. During the remainder of the war she patrolled the rivers and sounds of the area, fired in the bombardments of forts, covered landing parties, and engaged detachments of Confederate cavalry ashore.

End-of-war decommissioning and sale

On 9 June 1865 "C. P. Williams" cleared Charleston, South Carolina, for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, arriving on the 19th. She was decommissioned 27 June 1865 and sold 10 August 1865.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c1/c_p_williams.htm USS C. P. Williams]