From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

A native or inhabitant of Circassia, a country northwest of the Caucasus Mountains, formerly independent, now a part of Russia.

dr. 18' a. 4 x 9" sb., 1 x 100-pdr. r., 1 x 12-pdr. r.

Circassian, an iron screw steamer, was captured 4 May 1862 by USS Somerset; purchased from the prize court at Key West, Fla., 8 November 1862; outfitted at New York Navy Yard; and commissioned 12 December 1862, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. B. Eaton in command.

Circassian served as supply ship for the East and West Gulf Blockading Squadrons. Between 17 December 1862 and 11 April 1865 she completed nine cruises from New York or Boston delivering supplies to ships and stations along the Atlantic coast and in the Gulf of Mexico as far west as Galveston, Tex., and up the Mississippi River to New Orleans, La. On return trips she carried men due to be discharged, invalids, prisoners of war, cotton and provisions. During this time she also captured two prizes and participated in the search for the Confederate steamer Florida in July 1864.

Circassian arrived at Boston Navy Yard from her last cruise 11 April 1865, was placed out of commission 26 April 1865 and sold 22 June 1865.