USS Granite City

From Wikipedia.

This ship in the previous post had an interesting history, starting out as a blockade-runner, captured, then in the service of the U.S. Navy, then recaptured by the Confederates and turned into a blockade-runner again before being sunk while running the blockade.

It was built in Dumbarton, U.K. and launched 13 November 1862.  It was captured off the Bahamas 22 March 1863 by the USS Tioga and bought at prize court by the Navy 16 April 1863.  It was 160 feet long and mounted six 24-pdr. howitzers and one 12-pdr. rifle.

Assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, it arrived in New Orleans 17 August 1863 and participated in the ill-fated Sabine Pass expedition, but escaped capture.  During the next 8 months, it patrolled the Texas coast, making three captures.  The Granite City then supported landings at Pascavallo, Texas,  31 December 1863 and Smith's Landing, Tx., 19 January 1864.

After three more months of blockade duty, it was captured at Calcasieu Pass, Louisiana (southwest) on May 6, 1864.

It was fitted out as a blockade-runner in Galveston and on 20 January, ran out on a foggy night from Velasco, Texas,. but was spotted the next day and chased ashore by the USS Penguin and broke up on the beach.

--Old B-R'er

September 6-8, 1863: The Battle of Sabine Pass -- A Confederate Victory

SEPTEMBER 6TH-7TH-- The joint amphibious assault on Sabine Pass was intended to be a surprise, but delays enabled the Confederates time to prepare.

SEPTEMBER 8TH-- The joint attack on Sabine Pass commenced with the USS Clifton crossing the bar and unsuccessfully trying to draw fire from the fort and CSS Uncle Ben. Three more ships and army transports then crossed the bar.

There were two channels at the pass, one on the Texas side and one on the Louisiana side. Confederate guns had the ranges marked and the USS Clifton and USS Sachem were both hit and forced to surrender. After the loss of these two ships, the attack was called off and the Union forces returned to New Orleans.

Finally a Confederate Victory. --Old B-R'er