USS Howell Cobb (1861)

USS Howell Cobb (1861) was a schooner acquired on an emergency temporary basis by the Union Navy from the U.S. Coast Survey during the start of the American Civil War.

She was placed into service as a cargo ship assigned to support the Union Navy Potomac River fleet protecting Washington, D.C., from military forces of the newly formed rebellious Confederate States of America located across the river in Virginia.

Howell Cobb borrowed by the Union Navy
Howell Cobb, a U.S. Coast Survey schooner, was taken over by the Union Navy 10 June 1861 by Comdr. J. H. Ward, commanding Potomac Flotilla. Her first commanding officer was Acting Master's Mate A. J. Frank.

Assigned to supply runs on the Potomac River
Howell Cobb was actively employed on the Potomac River as a convoy ship, assisting the Union Army to insure smooth movement of supplies. This was vital service at a time when rail traffic north of Washington had been cut off by riots in Baltimore, Maryland.

Her role in suppressing illegal trade
She was also engaged, in Breton's Bay and vicinity, in suppressing illegal trade on the shores of the waters controlled by the Union.

Deactivated in Philadelphia and returned to the Coast Survey
Sent to Philadelphia Navy Yard for repairs, she arrived Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 9 July 1862, and did not return to active service in the Civil War. She was later returned to the U.S. Coast Survey.