USS Charles Phelps (1848)

USS Charles Phelps (1848) was a ship acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Navy as an auxiliary support vessel, delivering coal to Union steamers blockading Confederate ports.

Charles Phelps was built in 1848 at New London, Connecticut, as a whaler; purchased at New Bedford, Massachusetts, 24 June 1861; and commissioned later in the year, Acting Master W. F. North in command.

Supporting the steamships of the North Atlantic Blockade
Assigned as a coal supply ship for the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Charles Phelps served in Hampton Roads, Virginia, throughout the Civil War.

Her support of the Squadron's steamers was as critical a contribution to their mission of cutting the Confederacy off from overseas supply as a modern-day oiler's logistic support is to the operations of the fleet.

Post-war decommissioning and sale
Charles Phelps was sold at New York City 25 October 1865.