USS Neptune (1863)

USS Neptune (1863) was a large steamer, with powerful guns and a large crew, acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War.

She served the Navy primarily, as an armed escort vessel in the West Indies, for Union Navy and commercial ships traveling through that area on their way to and from California.

Purchased in New York City by the Navy in 1863
Neptune, a wooden steamer, was purchased by the Union Navy at New York City 17 July 1863 from William P. Williamson, of the Neptune Steamship Co. She was delivered to the government at the New York Navy Yard 3 September, and commissioned there 19 December.

Assigned as escort ship between West Indies and California
Assigned to the West India Squadron, she steamed from New York City 9 January 1864 and was employed principally in convoying the California steamers through the West Indies.

Post-war decommissioning and disposal
At the end of the Civil War, Neptune returned to New York City, where she decommissioned 31 May 1865. She was sold at auction at New York City 12 July 1865 to John Henderson.