USS Carnation (1863)

Career (US)
Ordered: as Ajax
Builder: Neafie & Levy
Laid down: date unknown
Launched: 1863 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Acquired: 24 August 1863
Commissioned: 20 October 1863
Decommissioned: 8 July 1865
Struck: 1865 (est.)
Fate: sold, 10 August 1865
General characteristics
Displacement:82 tons
Length:73 ft 6 in (22.40 m)
Beam:17 ft 6 in (5.33 m)
Draught:7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Propulsion:steam engine
screw propelled
Speed:10 knots
Complement:19
Armament:one 20-pounder rifled gun
one 12-pounder rifled gun

USS Carnation (1863) was a steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Navy to patrol navigable waterways of the Confederacy to prevent the South from trading with other countries.

Built in Philadelphia in 1863

Carnation was built in 1863 by Neafie and Levy of Philadelphia as Ajax; purchased by the Navy and renamed Carnation 24 August 1863; commissioned 20 October 1863, Acting Ensign W. Boyd in command; and reported to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

Civil War service

Carnation arrived on station off Charleston, South Carolina, 6 November 1863. Serving the squadron in its effective work of preventing overseas supplies from reaching the Confederacy, Carnation ferried men and supplies, and performed picket duty. She served in the South Carolina area until 27 July 1865, when she sailed for Philadelphia.

Post-war decommissioning and sale

Carnation was decommissioned 8 July 1865, and sold 10 August 1865.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.

See also