USS Cowslip-- Part 2: Assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron and At Mobile

The Cowslip was assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron and departed N.Y. City 2 February 1864, and arrived at New Orleans Feb. 26.  She was put to work delivering men to their posts, delivering mail, stores, guns and ammunition to the squadron.  Also, she was used to tow steamers, perform rescue and salvage work as well as picket and patrol duty.

The Cowslip captured a sailboat with five men on board off Pascagoula, Mississippi, 15 April 1864; the sloop Last Push 29 May (this was what I wrote about), and a raid up Biloxi Bay, Mississippi, in which she captured five sloops and a small steamer.  That raid, she also destroyed  six large boats, three flat boats and four salt works.

During July and August 1864, the Cowslip was off Mobile Bay helping Admiral Farragut prepare for his attack on it.

--Old B-R'er