USS Epsilon (1864)

USS Epsilon (1864) was a tugboat acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Union Navy as a tugboat and dispatch boat to support Union Navy patrol vessels on Confederate waterways.

Acquisition and name change from Tug No. 5 to Epsilon
Epsilon, a steam tug, was purchased as Harry Bumm at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 3 June 1864, and assigned to duty in the James River, Acting Ensign E. M. Boggs in command. She was known as Tug No. 5 until November 1864 when she was named Epsilon.

Performing various services during tour of duty on the James
Throughout her career, Epsilon performed useful service in the James, reconnoitering, patrolling, serving as picket, carrying mail, and transferring men from one ship's company to another.

Post-war decommissioning and disposal
Epsilon was ordered north in May 1865 and was sold at New York City 12 July 1865.