USS Preston (1864)

USS "Preston" (1864) was a blockade-running steamer captured by the Union Navy during the American Civil War.

She was placed in service on the Gulf of Mexico by the Union Navy as a gunship during blockade operations against the Confederate States of America.

Captured by the Union Navy

"Preston", a twin screw British blockade runner named Annie, was captured off New Inlet, North Carolina, 31 October 1864 by "Wilderness" and "Niphon"; purchased by the Navy from the New York City Prize Court in December 1864; renamed "Preston" 2 February 1865; and commissioned 6 February 1865, Acting Volunteer Lt. J. R. Wheeler in command.

Civil War service

Assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, "Preston" departed New York City 16 February and arrived at New Orleans, Louisiana, 9 March.

She operated along the Texas coast into July and on the 25th was ordered to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Decommissioning

Decommissioned in Philadelphia 8 August 1865, she was sent to New York City in November and sold at auction on the 30th.

References

See also

* American Civil War
* Union Navy
* Confederate States Navy

External links

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/p11/preston-i.htm USS Preston]