USS Donegal (1860)

USS "Donegal" (1860) was a captured Confederate steam-operated ship acquired by the Union Navy from the prize court during the American Civil War. She was put into service by the Union Navy to patrol navigable waterways of the Confederacy to prevent the South from trading with other countries.

Capture of the vessel, conversion to Union Navy use

"Donegal", a large side wheel steamer, was built in 1860 at Wilmington, Delaware, and used as a Confederate blockade runner, occasionally carrying the name "Austin". She was captured 6 June 1864 off Mobile Bay by Metacomet; sent to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for condemnation; purchased by the Navy and fitted for sea at Philadelphia Navy Yard; and commissioned 3 September 1864, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. H. West in command.

Assigned to carry cargo to the South Atlantic Blockade

"Donegal" stood down the Delaware River after her commissioning for Charleston, South Carolina, with supplies and a large number of officers and men for ships of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She returned to Philadelphia 16 September, and between 24 September and 12 December made four similar voyages.

Rescuing the crew of the sinking "McDonough"

Later, in 1865, she patrolled the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia until 20 August when she sailed for New York City, arriving 4 days later. She rescued the crew of (Commodore) McDonough which sank on the 23d while being towed to New York.

End-of-war decommissioning and sale

"Donegal" was decommissioned 8 September 1865 and sold 27 September 1865.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/d5/donegal.htm USS Donegal]