USS Genesee (1862-1867)

USS Genesee , first of a class of two 1120-ton "double-ender" side wheel steam gunboats, was built at Boston, Massachusetts. She was commissioned in July 1862 and served into the next year with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, mainly off the North Carolina coast. In February 1863, Genesee was assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Damaged by gunfire during the 14-15 March attempt to steam up the Mississippi River past Confederate fortifications at Port Hudson, she remained on the river until mid-year.

Genesee 's next served as a blockader off Mobile Bay, Alabama, assisting in the destruction of the blockade running steamer Fanny in September 1863. She played a supporting role in the 5 August 1864 Battle of Mobile Bay. Subsequently, Genesee was employed as a store ship and in mine clearance operations in the bay. Following the end of hostilities, the gunboat was sent to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she decommissioned in July 1865. USS Genesee was sold in October 1867. Converted to a sailing bark for civilian employment, she was later named Hattie C. Besse .

Off Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in March 1863.
Donation of T.D. Wilson, USN.

Line engraving published in "Harper's Weekly", 27 May 1865
It depicts the ship protected with anti-torpedo nets, during operations to clear Mobile Bay, Alabama, of Confederate "torpedoes" (mines) during the last months of the Civil War.

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