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USS Orvetta (I)

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons

Civil War Campaign Medal

Centerboard Schooner:

Built in 1857 by David & Jesse Carll, Northport, Long Island, N.Y. for Jonas Smith & Co., New York City.

Launched, date unknown

Orvetta was purchased by George D. Morgan for the Navy at New York, 1 October 1861, from E. & D. Bigelow, agents, for $8,000

On 5 December 1851 Orvetta was selected to be converted into a mortar boat

Commissioned USS Orvetta, 27 January 1862, at New York Navy Yard, Acting Master Francis E. Blanchard in command

One of 21 schooners fitted out with mortars for a bomb flotilla organized by CDR. David Dixon Porter to support Flag Officer Farragut's deep draft ships in their attack on New Orleans

Orvetta sailed down the Atlantic coast, across the Gulf of Mexico, and into the Mississippi through Pass a I'Outre below Forts St. Philip and Jackson arriving 18 April 1862 Orvetta and her sister schooners opened fire and maintained the barrage on the Confederate fortifications until the 24th when Farragut's ships passed the forts

The next day New Orleans surrendered.

The schooner subsequently supported operations in the Mississippi, especially against Vicksburg and served in the Gulf

After the war she decommissioned at New York 3 July 1865

Sold at public auction, 15 August 1865, at New York to a Mr. Henseman, for $8,000

In 1866 owner is listed as Bodine and others, Staten Island, N.Y.

Rebuilt in October 1879

Last listed owner was J.G. Hervey, New Haven, CT., 1883

Orvetta engaged in the oyster trade

Final Disposition, sank in the Rappahannock River, VA., 23 March 1886. Salved by wreckers from Baker Salvage Company in May 1886, but not returned to service.

Specifications:
Displacement 171 t.
Length 93'
Beam 27'2"
Depth of Hold 7'10"
Draft unknown
Speed 11kts
Rig centerboard schooner
Complement 37

Armament

February 1862 - one XIII-inch mortar, two 32-pdrs 57 cwt

13 February 1862 - one XIII-inch mortar, two 32-pdrs 42 cwt

31 December 1864 - two 32-pdrs 33 cwt

Propulsion sail

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USS Orvetta (I)
Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Commanding Officers
01	Acting Master Francis E. Blanchard	27 January 1862 - November 1863
02	Acting Master Enos O. Adams	November 1863 -


Courtesy David Wright

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Last Updated 29 July 2022