She supported the movement of troops under General Birney up the North Edisto River, towing and transporting supplies for the expedition.

On 3 July she contacted and engaged a strong Confederate battery at the mouth of the Dawhoo River, a bombardment which Admiral Dahlgren reported was "done very handsomely."

After completing demonstration operations, she supported the withdrawal of Federal troops from the tidewater islands south of Charleston.

With launches Lilly and Eva in tow she ascended as far as Black Oak Island and gained valuable information about the depth and navigability of the river.

As a result of this intelligence, General William Tecumseh Sherman's troops could be supplied from transports on the Santee rather than solely by railroad.