USS Bermuda-- Part 5: Not Condemned for a Year and Union Service

The Bermuda arrived in Philadelphia on May 3, 1862,  and was arraigned before the U.S. District Court.  Proceedings began August 12.  Final arguments were heard four days later, but the steamer was not condemned until <arch 5, 1863, almost a year after her capture.

The Bermuda was then purchased by the U.S. Navy and fitted out in the Philadelphia Navy Yard for service as a supply vessel.  It was commissioned on May 13, 1863, with Acting Master J.W. Smith in command.  Later that day it steamed down the Delaware River with supplies for both of the Gulf Coast Blockading Squadrons.

Eight days later it arrived at the mouth of Indian River, Florida, and  issued supplies to the bark USS Gem of the Sea.  That began two years of service bringing provisions and supplies to blockading fleets.

--Old B-R'er