USS Elfin (1864)

USS "Elfin" (1864) was a gunboat acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Union Navy as a patrol vessel on Confederate waterways.

"Elfin", a light draft gunboat, was purchased as "W. C. Mann" by Admiral David Dixon Porter at Cincinnati, Ohio, 23 February 1864, and placed under the command of Acting Master A. F. Thompson.

Assigned to the Mississippi Squadron

Assigned to the Mississippi Squadron, she cruised in the 7th District between Caledonia and Mound City, Illinois, for a month, then took up duty in the 9th District extending from Cairo, Illinois, to the head of the Tennessee River.

Elfin destroyed in combat with Confederate shore batteries

On 4 November 1864 "Elfin" was operating with "Tawah" and "Key West" in the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. After a severe engagement of several hours with heavy Confederate shore batteries it was considered impossible to save the three vessels, and they were burned to prevent capture.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/e2/elfin-i.htm USS Elfin]