USS Martin (1864)

USS "Martin" (1864) was a steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Union Navy for various tasks, including those of a torpedo boat, tugboat, and a picket boat, patrolling Confederate waterways to prevent the South from trading with other countries.

"Martin", a screw tug built at Albany, New York, in 1864 was purchased by the Navy as "James McMartin" at New York City 16 June 1864; renamed "Martin" that same day; and commissioned later in the month, Acting Ens. Rudolph S. Sommers in command.

Assigned as a mine-layer boat for the North Atlantic Blockade

Equipped as a torpedo boat, on 20 July "Martin" was assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron for picket guard duty. On 27 July she was taken in tow along with sister tug "Hoyt" by screw steamer "Monticello" for convoy from Hampton Roads, Virginia at Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, arriving 2 days later.

Operations in the North Carolina waterways

"Martin" operated in the sounds of North Carolina, through 1864. On 29 September she accompanied gunboat "Valley City" up the Scuppernong River to head off a group of Confederate conscriptors being chased by two Union Army steamers from the vicinity of the Alligator River. With "Martin’s" assistance as a tug, "Valley City" was able to position her guns on the stragglers with telling results. "Martin" later joined in the operations which led to the capture of Plymouth, North Carolina, between 29 October and 1 November.

End-of-war operations and decommissioning and sale

After overhaul at Norfolk Navy Yard in early 1865, "Martin" returned to the sounds of North Carolina, in late February. She continued tug and picket duties through May before sailing north in June, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for decommissioning. "Martin" was sold there 10 August.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/m5/martin-i.htm