She was purchased for the Union Navy in 1863 during the American Civil War, serving until July 1865, when she was sold back to civilian service.

4; purchased there on 14 March 1863; fitted out at Cairo, Illinois; and commissioned on 26 April 1863, Acting Master Alfred Phelps, Jr., in command.

She transported troops, prisoners, supplies, and cotton; towed and convoyed ships; and delivered dispatches.

Her yeoman service ended at Mound City, Illinois, where she was decommissioned on 1 July.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.