3) was launched 30 March 1897 by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., Bristol, R.I.; sponsored by Miss L. Converse; and commissioned 23 September 1897, Lieutenant (junior grade) Spencer S. Wood in command.

Du Pont operated on the east coast, carrying dispatches and training Naval Reservists until the outbreak of the Spanish–American War.

Arriving at Newport, Rhode Island 4 November 1898, Du Pont was placed out of commission 4 days later.

Recommissioned 14 May 1909 Du Pont cruised along the coast with the Atlantic Torpedo Fleet until placed in reserve again at Charleston Navy Yard in November 1909.

With the entry of the United States into World War I Du Pont was recommissioned 9 April 1917 and assigned to duty in the 2d Naval District.