From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. II, 1977.



CALYPSO (ScStr)



t. 630

L. 175'2"

b. 26'6"

dr. 12'

s. 12 k.

cpl. 70

a. 2 30-pdr. r., 4 24-pdr. r.



The first CALYPSO, an armed streamer, was eaptured 11 

June 1863 off Wilmington, N.C., by Florida; purchased 

from the prize court 12 October 1863; and commissioned 24 

September 1863, Aeting Master F. D. Stuart in command.



CALYPSO joined the North Atlantie Bloekading Squadron off 

Wilmington, N.C., and on 24 October 1863, took her first 

prize off Frying Pan Shoals, the sehooner HERALD.  

Returning to Norfolk, Va., in November for repairs, the 

steamer was back on duty off Wilmington 31 March 1864. In 

June she joined with NANSEMOND in sailing to New River 

Inlet to support the Army in an expedition to eut the 

Wilmington and Weldon Railroad.  The troops were 

sueeessfully landed from NANSEMOND in boats from both 

ships on 21 June, and through the next days, CALYPSO's 

boats patrolled up the river and carried supplies to the 

Army. When Confederate opposition prevented the linkup of 

the landing party with a foree moving overland, CALYPSO 

swiftly evaeuated the soldiers.



Through the summer, Calypso patrolled the traek of ships 

attempting to run the blockade from Nassau, and on 28 

October 1864, after a long chase and last minute aid from 

EOLUS and FORT JACKSON, took the steamer LADY STERLING. 

CALYPSO was sent north with her prize 6 November, and 

after reeeiving repairs at New York, returned late in 

spring 1865 to cruising from Chesapeake Bay to the coast 

of Florida. She was deeommissioned at the Washington Navy 

Yard 15 August 1866, and was sold at New York 30 November 

1865.