USS Hyacinth (1862)

USS "Hyacinth" (1862) was a steamer acquired by the Union during the American Civil War. She was placed into service as a tugboat, as well as a gunboat, by the Union Army and by the Union Navy.

"Hyacinth" was a tug used by the Union Army under the name "Spitfire" on the upper Mississippi River in 1862. She captured Confederate transport "Sovereign" near Fort Pillow, Tennessee, 5 June 1862; and 9 days later, took steamer "Clara Dolsen" after a long chase from Helena, Arkansas, ending on the White River a short distance above its mouth.

"Spitfire" was transferred by the U.S. War Department to the Union Navy 30 September 1862, and renamed "Hyacinth" 19 October. "Hyacinth" served the Mississippi Squadron until the end of the war. She was especially useful in operations which resulted in the fall of Vicksburg, and assisted in the salvage work which refloated "Indianola".

She was sold at public auction at Mound City, Illinois, to A. T. Paine 17 August 1865.

References

*DANFS|http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/h9/hyacinth-i.htm