USS Kinsman (1854)

USS "Kinsman" (1854) was a steamer acquired by the Union Navy from the Union Army during the American Civil War. She was used by the Union Navy as a gunboat in support of the Union Navy blockade of Confederate waterways.

Commandeered for Union Army service

In 1854 "Kinsman" was built at Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, as "Gray Cloud". She operated on the Mississippi River and its tributaries from St. Louis, Missouri. After the capture of New Orleans, Louisiana, in the spring of 1862, she was commandeered by General B. F. Butler and fitted out for river service.

Damaged in action against Confederate ironclad Cotton

Renamed "Kinsman", the side-wheel steamer operated for the Union Army, Acting Master George Wiggen in command. With "Calhoun", "Estrella", and "Diana", she engaged Confederate ironclad gunboat "Cotton" in a spirited action 3 November. "Kinsman" was struck under her port bow and the other Union ships were damaged but they forced the Confederate vessel to retire. That night the Northern ships captured "A. B. Seaer", a small Steamer of the Confederate Navy used as a dispatch boat. Five days later, "Kinsman" and "A. B. Seger" captured and burned steamers "Osprey" and "J. P. Smith" in Bayou Cheval, Louisiana.

Transferred to the Union Navy for service

"Kinsman" was transferred to the Navy 1 January 1863. With three other ships under overall command of Lt. Comdr. Thomas McKean Buchanan, she attacked the South's defenses at Bayou Teche, below Franklin, Louisiana.

Vigorous prosecution of the action by Northern vessels forced the Southerners to retire permitting removal of obstructions which had impeded Union ships.

Ironclad "Cotton" sets itself on fire while "Kinsman" strikes a mine

Confederate gunboat "Cotton" enaged the attackers but was compelled to retire. Soon thereafter "Cotton's" crew set their ship afire and destroyed her to prevent capture. During the engagement, a torpedo (mine) exploded under "Kinsman" unshipping her rudder.

"Kinsman" strikes a snag in the river, sinks with loss of six men

While transporting a detachment of troops 23 February 1863, "Kinsman" struck a snag and sank in Berwick Bay near Brashear City, Louisiana. Six men were reported missing.

References

See also

* United States Navy
* American Civil War

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/k4/kinsman.htm USS Kinsman]