The squadron is most notable for its role in patrolling the James River, which was the main water approach to the Confederate capital, Richmond.

[1] John Randolph Tucker was the commander of the James River Squadron during its first real action at the Battle of Hampton Roads on March 8–9, 1862 near Norfolk, Virginia.

It was lost sight of in the battle of the ironclad giants, but in the days of oak walls would have been recorded with honorable mention among the acts of bravery and seamanship which illustrate a navy.

Because of this lack of activity, the War Department decided that the Army of Northern Virginia, always hard pressed for troops, needed the sailors more than the navy.

For the rest of the year, periodic duels between the James River Squadron and the Federal shore batteries were the rule.

As Richmond fell, the James River Squadron was ordered to destroy their vessels and join Gen. Robert E. Lee's army.

There were several men from this squadron, however, who did join Lee and fought a desperate rearguard action at the Battle of Sayler's Creek, then surrendered with the army at Appomattox.