USS Horace Beals (1862)
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States
|
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| Acquired: | 14 September 1861 |
| Commissioned: | 5 February 1862 |
| Decommissioned: | circa 30 May 1865 |
| Homeport: | |
| Fate: | sold, 30 May 1865 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage: | 296 |
| Length: | 121 ft 6 in (37.03 m) |
| Beam: | 30 ft 8 in (9.35 m) |
| Depth of hold: | 11 ft 8 in (3.56 m) |
| Propulsion: | sail |
| Armament: |
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USS Horace Beals (1862) was a barkentine acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was placed into service as a cargo ship assigned to support the fleet blockading the ports of the Confederate States of America. However, at times, Horace Beals was assigned extra tasks, such as that of a hospital ship as well as an ammunition ship.
Horace Beals was purchased in New York City 14 September 1861; and commissioned at New York Navy Yard 5 February 1862, Lt. Comdr. K. R. Breese in command.
Two days later she departed New York City for Key West, Florida, where, upon her arrival 23 February, she became a supply ship for the flotilla of mortar schooners being organized by Comdr. David Dixon Porter.
The flotilla sailed from Key West 3 March, arrived Ship Island, Mississippi, and 5 days later crossed the bar at Pass a l'Outre. When, after almost a month of backbreaking labor, David Farragut finally succeeded in getting his heavy deep-sea ships inside the mouth of the Mississippi River on 16 April, he ordered the mortar flotilla to commence operations.
Porter's ships, camouflaged with bushes and tree branches, moved up river to pre-assigned positions below Forts Jackson and St. Philip and opened fire 18 April.
During the ensuing 6-day bombardment, Horace Beals kept the mortar schooners supplied with ammunition and provisions, took on board ordnance and other stores, and embarked and cared for sick and wounded from ships of the squadron.
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