The USS Massachusetts

From the June 19, 2011, Biloxi (Ms) Sun-Herald.

  Before the Civil War, the USS Massachusetts was a civilian steamer built in Boston.  At the onset of the war, the US Navy consisted of just 90 vessels, many of which were sailing vessels.  But the new era meant that steamers were needed.  The Navy Department immediately bought 80 additional steamers and 60 sailing ships.

The Massachusetts was purchased May 3, 1861 and commissioned May 24th under commander Melancton Smith III, son of War of 1812 officer Melancton Smoth, Jr..  It was assigned to the Gulf Blockading Squadron, arriving at Key West June 8th.

On June 9th, it captured the British blockade-runner Perthshire with a cargo of cotton near Pensacola.  It then continued its Gulf patrol, capturing ships on the 17th, 19th and four on the 23rd.

While on patrol, the Confederates decided to take and fortify Ship Island with its then-named Fort Twiggs after General David Twiggs, who was now a Confederate general.  The Union also considered the fort of importance and a month later there was a battle.

Old B-R'er