Tag: side-wheeler Eagle

Gibson and Gibson, Dictionary of Transports and Combatant Vessels Steam and Sail Employed by the Union Army, 1861-1868 says: EAGLE; sidewheel steamer; 230 tons; 392 tons. Purchased or built by the Quartermaster Department on Aug 28, 1861, at a cost of $25,000. Withing field notes made during the expedition to capture Roakoke Island in Jan 0f 1862, the EAGLE is mentioned as “passing over the bar into the sound on Jan 24.” Carried troop contingent on raid against Elizabeth City. Later mentioned as participating in siege against Washington, North Carolina, on the Pamlico River. Used there as an armed transport, under charge of Navy second assisant engineer and a Navy paymaster, these being officers detailed to her from the USS LOUISIANA. On Apr 3, 1862, she is reported as shelling Confederate vessels. During that action, the EAGLE was struck twice by enemy cannon fire. On Apr 16, she was utilized in providing covering fire for troop landings. On Feb 1, 1863, reported as being en route from New Berne to Washington, North Carolina, with Army cargo. On Feb 2, 1864, Brigadier General Innis N. Palmer placed EAGLE again under a naval officer’s command during an action at New Berne, North Carolina. Crew, except senior officers, seemingly remained during this period as Army employed personnel. Record indicates vessel was still owned by the United States on Oct 15, 1864.