From: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships

A standard, banner, ensign.

(ScStr: dp. 938; l. 193'; b. 30'10"; dr. 15'; a. 6 8" r.f.) Flag was purchased 26 April 1861 as Phineas Sprague, and renamed and commissioned 28 May 1861, Lieutenant Commander L. C. Sartori in command.

Flag reported for duty in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron at Charleston, S.C., 6 June 1861. Aside from periods in the North for repairs, she patrolled the coastal waters of the Carolinas until early 1865. Flag captured or shared in the capture of many blockade runners, making an outstanding contribution to the Navy's successful efforts to sever the Confederacy's supply lines from aborad [sic; abroad].

On 24 November 1861, she joined Seneca and Pocahontas in taking possession of Tybee Island, evacuated previously by the Confederates, and 2 days later, drove several southern ships back into Fort Pulaski, from which they were attempting to sail. She participated in the capture of Fernandina, Fla., in March 1862, and in the general engagement of the fleet with the forts in Charleston Harbor 7 April 1863. She returned to New York 16 February 1865, was decommissioned there 25 February 1865, and sold 12 July 1865.

Transcribed by Yves HUBERT (hubertypc@aol.com)