Ordered as Covington No. 2 Launched date unknown Out of service 5 May 1864 Displacement 203,200 kg | Laid down date unknown In service circa February 1863 Length 38 m | |
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Acquired February 1863, in Cincinnati, Ohio | ||
USS Covington (1863) was purchased by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was assigned as a simple gunboat with powerful rifled guns to intercept blockade runners attempting to run the Union blockade of the Confederate States of America.
Contents
- Purchased in Ohio in 1863
- Civil War service
- Mississippi River operations
- Covington burned by her crew
- References
Covington did not carry mortars or howitzers, which placed her at a disadvantage when attacked riverside in 1864 by Confederate troops. Losing the battle, she was set on fire and most of the crew fortunately escaped.
Purchased in Ohio in 1863
Covington, a side wheel steamer, was purchased in February 1863 from Samuel Wiggins at Cincinnati, Ohio; fitted for service at Cairo, Illinois; and assigned to the Mississippi Squadron, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George P. Lord in command.
Civil War service
Serving in the Tennessee River to convoy Union Army transports and other ships, Covington had frequent encounters with Confederates along the banks.
Mississippi River operations
On 18 June, she was transferred to the Mississippi River for similar duty on that river and the White, Black, and Red Rivers. Arriving at Memphis, Tennessee, on 20 June 1863, she sailed the following day convoying General Lyon and Little Rebel. She seized the steamer Eureka at Commerce, Missouri, on 2 July for violation of the river blockade and sent her into Cairo, Illinois. On 6 August she aided Paw Paw, sunk by a snag.
Covington burned by her crew
Ordered to report to Alexandria, Louisiana, on 27 April 1864, Covington sailed with Signal protecting the Army transport Warner down the Red River.
About 25 miles below Alexandria, they were attacked by Confederate infantry in force. After five hours of bitter fighting, the transport was captured and the two escorts (Covington and Signal) were so badly damaged that they had to be abandoned and set afire. After Covington was set on fire by her crew, Lieutenant Lord and 32 of Covington's crew escaped to Alexandria.
Signal, however, was not so fortunate. After setting the ship on fire, her crew was captured by Confederate forces and made prisoners-of-war.