USS Courier (1861)

USS "Courier" (1861) was a storeship acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Union Navy as a supply ship to support Union Navy ships engaged in the blockade of Southern ports. She also operated as a gunboat when the opportunity presented itself from time to time.

Purchased in New York City in 1861

"Courier", a storeship, was purchased 7 September 1861 from W. B. Thomas and Co., New York City, and commissioned 17 September 1861, Acting Master W. K. Cressy in command.

Civil War operations

Assigned to support the North Atlantic Blockade

"Courier" sailed from New York City 17 October 1861 on the first of many voyages to bring supplies to ships at Port Royal, South Carolina, along the Florida coast, and in the Gulf of Mexico as far west as New Orleans, Louisiana.

"Courier" captures three blockade runners

Always on the alert for blockade runners, she captured three: "Angelina" and "Emeline" on 16 May 1863, and "Maria Bishop" on 17 May 1863.

Grounded and lost in the Bahama Islands

"Courier" grounded on Abaco Island in the Bahamas 14 June 1864 and had to be abandoned, but her officers and men, together with her stores and cargo, were saved and sent to the United States.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/c14/courier-i.htm USS Courier]