USS Gladiolus (1864) [SEP] conflict
USS Gladiolus (1864)
USS "Gladiolus" (1864) was a steamship acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War.
A ship of many capabilities.
"Gladiolus" was employed as a tugboat, a collier, a dispatch boat and a picket and patrol boat in support of the Union blockade of Southern waterways. Once Charleston, South Carolina, had been captured by Union forces, "Gladiolus" was employed as a minesweeper and as a salvage ship, clearing obstructions in the harbor.
Purchased at Philadelphia in 1864.
"Gladiolus", formerly tug "Sallie Bishop", was purchased at Philadelphia 2 June 1864 by Commodore C. K. Stribling. She commissioned 15 June 1864, Acting Master J. C. Hamlin in command.
Assigned to the blockade at Charleston, South Carolina.
"Gladiolus" departed Philadelphia 17 June 1864 to join Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren's South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and was assigned to Charleston station, arriving 25 June.
For the next six months she was actively engaged in