USS Emma-- Part 3: Captured as a Blockade Runner Then Served as a Blockader

The Emma was a single screw steamer built in  Glasgow, Scotland,  for Thomas  S. Begbie. The Emma and her sister ship, the Gertrude, were named for Begbie's two daughters.  The Emma was captured on 24 July 1863 by the  Army transport  SS Argo off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, on her third voyage.  

It was purchased by the U.S. Navy from the New York City prize court on 30 September 1863 and fitted out at the New York Navy Yard; and put to sea on 4 November 1863, Acting Master  G.B. Livingston in command.

Arriving in Newport News on 7 November 1863, the Emma was assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron where she served for the rest of the war.  Enforcing the blockade, she played an important role in the final Union victory.

She joined in the destruction of the blockade runner Ella off Wilmington on 6 December 1864 and the two attacks on Fort Fisher December 24 and 25, 1864, and January 13-15, 1865.

--Old B-Runner