From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. I p 168

Buccaneer

A buccaneer is a pirate; especially one of the freebooters preying upon early Spanish-American vessels and settlements.

(PY: T. 160; 1. 138' ; b. 20' dr. 9'3'' cpl. 31: a. 2 6-pdr. 4 2-pdr., 1 1-pdr.)

Buccaneer, a converted yacht, was built in 1888 by Atlantic Iron Works, Boston, Mass., as Unquowa. (later renamed Buccaneer, Privateer, Carola III, Columbine II, and Buccaneer) ; loaned to the Navy in 1898 ; commissioned 14 May 1898, Lieutenant II. W. Hines in command:

and moved to Port Tampa, Fla., for conversion and repair.

During 6--18 August 1898 she patrolled near Key West. On 22 August she arrived at Hampton Roads, Va., and on 5 September at New York Navy Yard where her naval equipment and stores were removed. On 12 September 1898 she was decommissioned and subsequently returned to her owner.