USS Howell Cobb (1861)

Career (US)

Laid down:	date unknown
Launched:	date unknown
Acquired:	10 June 1861
In service:	circa June 1861
Out of service:	circa July 1862
Struck:	1862 (est.)
Homeport:	Washington Navy Yard Philadelphia Navy Yard
Fate:	returned to the U.S. Coast Survey
General characteristics
Length:	not known
Beam:	not known
Draught:	not known
Propulsion:	sail
Speed:	not known
Complement:	not known
Armament:	not known

USS Howell Cobb (1861) was a schooner acquired on an emergency temporary basis by the Union Navy from the U.S. Coast Survey during the start of the American Civil War.

She was placed into service as a cargo ship assigned to support the Union Navy Potomac River fleet protecting Washington, D.C., from military forces of the newly formed rebellious Confederate States of America located across the river in Virginia.

Howell Cobb borrowed by the Union Navy

Howell Cobb, a U.S. Coast Survey schooner, was taken over by the Union Navy 10 June 1861 by Comdr. J. H. Ward, commanding Potomac Flotilla. Her first commanding officer was Acting Master's Mate A. J. Frank.

Assigned to supply runs on the Potomac River

Howell Cobb was actively employed on the Potomac River as a convoy ship, assisting the Union Army to insure smooth movement of supplies. This was vital service at a time when rail traffic north of Washington had been cut off by riots in Baltimore, Maryland.

Her role in suppressing illegal trade

She was also engaged, in Breton's Bay and vicinity, in suppressing illegal trade on the shores of the waters controlled by the Union.

Deactivated in Philadelphia and returned to the Coast Survey

Sent to Philadelphia Navy Yard for repairs, she arrived Philadelphia 9 July 1862, and did not return to active service in the Civil War. She was later returned to the U.S. Coast Survey.

References