USS Ella (1862)

The first USS Ella was a steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War.

History
United States
Laid down: date unknown
Launched: date unknown
Acquired: 30 July 1862
Commissioned: 10 August 1862
Decommissioned: 4 August 1865
Stricken: 1865 (est.)
Fate: sold, 15 September 1865
General characteristics
Displacement: 230 tons
Length: 150 ft (46 m)
Beam: 23 ft (7.0 m)
Depth of hold: 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Propulsion:
Speed: 8 knots
Complement: 39
Armament: two 24-pounder howitzers

She was used by the Union Navy as a picket and patrol vessel, as well as a dispatch boat, on Confederate waterways.

Acquisition and outfitting at the New York Navy Yard

Ella, a side wheel steamer, was purchased at New York City 30 July 1862; outfitted at New York Navy Yard; and commissioned 10 August 1862, Acting Master S. C. Gray in command.

Assigned to the Potomac Flotilla

Ella sailed 12 August 1862 for duty with the Potomac Flotilla, and arrived at Fortress Monroe 2 days later. She performed her entire service in Virginia waters as a picket, patrol and dispatch boat, based on the navy yard at Washington, D.C.

After a useful career, she returned to her base for the last time 30 July 1865.

Post-war decommissioning and disposal

She was decommissioned there 4 August and sold 15 September 1865.

References

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

See also


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