Assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Commodore Morris' entire service was in the rivers and creeks of Virginia.

Serving on patrol, and as picket, she also transported troops, dragged for mines, towed disabled ships, and sent parties ashore which took prisoners and food supplies.

In January 1863, she sailed up the Pamunkey River in a joint Army-Navy expedition which destroyed a railroad bridge and burned a ferryboat, as well as taking a small steamer.

Several times she engaged Confederate installations and cavalry ashore, most notably in the action with batteries at Trent's Reach on 16 May 1864 and near Malvern Hill on 14 and 16 July.

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