USS Commodore Jones (1863)

USS Commodore Jones (1863) was a ferryboat acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. Ferryboats were of great value, since, because of their flat bottom and shallow draft, they could navigate streams and shallow waters that other ships could not.

She was outfitted by the Union Navy as a heavily-armed gunboat and assigned to the blockade of the waterways of the Confederate States of America.

Purchased in New York City in 1863
Commodore Jones — an armed, side-wheel ferry — was purchased at New York City in 1863 and commissioned on 1 May 1863, Lieutenant Commander J. G. Mitchell in command.

Assigned to the North Atlantic Blockade
Serving with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Commodore Jones operated in Virginia's rivers and on her coast from 11 May 1863. She performed picket and patrol duty, dragged for torpedoes (mines), skirmished with enemy cavalry, shelled shore installations, and captured contraband goods with her shore parties.

She joined in the evacuation of West Point, Virginia from 31 May-1 June, in the expedition up the Mattapony River from 3–7 June, in the Chickahominy River demonstration of 10–13 June, and put to sea in search of CSS Tacony from 13–19 June.

Commodore Jones strikes a mine and sinks
She patrolled the James River frequently in the course of her service, and there on 6 May 1864, she was destroyed by an electrically-fired mine.