USS Clinton (1864)

USS Clinton (1864) was a tugboat acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. Her primary task was to guide ships in harbors, but she was also tasked with patrol duties.

American Civil War service
The first ship to be named Clinton by the Navy, the screw tug was purchased 14 June 1864 at New York under the name Lena Clinton.

She was assigned to duty with the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Acting Ensign Farnum J. Runnells in command, for picket and tug service in the James River and at Norfolk Navy Yard until the end of the war. Arriving at New York Navy Yard 16 June 1865, she remained in use as a yard tug until sold 3 August 1870.