On her return to blockade duty, Glaucus experienced a fire and several groundings, but managed to make it through to the end of the war.

Glaucus, a screw steamer, was in the process of being built by the Van Duesen Brothers in New York City for the Neptune Steamship Company when she was purchased on behalf of the U.S. Navy on 17 July 1863 by Rear Admiral F. H. Gregory; and commissioned 18 February 1864, Comdr.

Glaucus was assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, but before assuming her duties she was chosen to transport Senor Manuel Murillo, newly elected President of Colombia, to Cartagena.

Sailing to join the West India Convoy Fleet, she grounded near Molasses Reef in the Bahamas, and had to be towed 30 May 1865.

The vessels were originally built for coastal use, however the new owner set out to use them for carrying freight and mails on the transatlantic routes.