USS Spitfire (1846)

History
Name:	USS Spitfire
Acquired:	by purchase, 14 July 1846
Commissioned:	21 August 1846
Fate:	Sold, 1848
General characteristics
Type:	Gunboat
Displacement:	241 long tons (245 t)
Length:	119 ft (36 m)
Beam:	22 ft 6 in (6.86 m)
Depth:	9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Propulsion:	Steam engine

The fourth USS Spitfire was a sidewheel gunboat in the United States Navy during the Mexican-American War.

On 19 May 1846, only six days after President James Polk signed the Declaration of War with Mexico, Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft authorized the purchase of Spitfire and Vixen, two light draft steamers being built for the Mexican Navy. The ships were delivered to the United States Navy on 14 July 1846, and Spitfire was commissioned on 21 August 1846, Commander Josiah Tattnall in command.

After carrying dispatches for United States forces in California to Chagres, Panama, Spitfire joined the American blockading force off Vera Cruz on 10 November; and, as she was a new and efficient vessel designed specifically for service on Mexico's Gulf Coast, she significantly strengthened Commodore David Conner's squadron.

On the 12th, the small side wheel gunboat got underway with the squadron for an expedition against Tampico. The American ships gathered off Tampico bar on the morning of the 14th. At 10:45, Conner boarded Spitfire and used her as his flagship during the attack which they opened at about 11:00 by firing a gun.

Spitfire joined other light draft vessels of the squadron and boats from the heavier American warships in moving across the bar and up the Pánuco River and past the fort which guarded the stream. In the early afternoon, a delegation from the city boarded Spitfire to discuss surrender. No agreement was reached; but, after a landing party had occupied the town, Conner decided that no formal capitulation was necessary.

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