USS Beauregard (1861)

The USS Beauregard (1861) began the war as a Confederate privateer. The Union Navy acquired the schooner from the prize court and outfitted the vessel for blockade duty.

Privateer Service
As one method to counter Union naval power, the Confederacy issued letters of marque to facilitate the use of privateers against northern shipping. The schooner Priscilla C. Ferguson was acquired by a group headed by A. F. W. Abrams of Charleston, S.C. for service as a privateer. The vessel was renamed Beauregard and fitted out with a single 24 pound rifled gun and accommodations for a 40 man crew. The privateer Beauregard was commissioned in Charleston, S.C. on 14 October 1861. The ship’s preparations did not go unreported, by 24 October 1861 a northern ship master notified Secretary of the Navy Welles that both the Beauregard and Dixie were at Charleston preparing for service as privateers.

Captain Gilbert Hay, with 2 lieutenants, 1 purser, and 23 crewmen, succeeded in running the blockade unobserved on 5 November 1861. During the Beauregard ’s time as a active privateer, no captures were reported. On 12 November 1861  Lt. William C. Rogers commanding the USS William G. Anderson (1859) spotted the Beauregard in the Bahama Channel. Even though the Beauregard sailed with fewer men than originally planned Lt. Rogers’ attention was attracted to the schooner when only 4 miles off by "many men on her decks." After a 2 hour chase the Anderson was able capture the vessel. When Captain Hay finally surrendered he presented his letter of marque from Jefferson Davis to his captors. After taking control of the Beauregard and putting a prize crew on board Lt. Rogers proceeded to take the prisoners and the prize to Key West for adjudication. The Anderson and its prize arrived in Florida on 19 November 1861. The prize court condemned the schooner with gross proceeds of $2,146.67 and $1,854.92 for distribution after costs and expenses.

Union Navy Service
The U.S. Navy purchased the Beauregard from the prize court for $1,810 on 24 February 1862 and began fitting the schooner for service with the blockading squadrons. To replace the 24 pound rifled that the privateer’s crew spiked, the navy armed the Beauregard with 1 30 pound rifle and 2 12 pound howitzers. The ship was allocated to the East Gulf Blockading Squadron then commanded by Flag Officer William McKean. Flag Officer McKean assigned Acting Master David Stearns to command the Beauregard and the ship was commissioned on 28 March 1862.

During the Beauregard’s service with the Eastern Gulf squadron she patrolled the coasts of Florida and was credited with capturing 11 blockade runners. Like other ships assigned to blockade duty the Beauregard was called upon to participate in attacks against coastal locations. On 2 April 1863 she supported an attack against Tampa, Florida and on 28 July 1863 she was in action at New Smyrna, Florida.

Post War Record
The schooner was sold at Key West, Florida, 28 June 1865.