From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Beta

Beta is the second letter of the Greek alphabet.

(AT: T. 50; l. 70'; b. 16'; dr. 7'; s. 10 k.; cpl. 14)

Beta (also known as J. E. Bazely, Bazely, and Tug No. 2) was purchased by the Navy at Philadelphia 3 June 1864.

She was sent south soon after her purchase for service in the James River and at Hampton Roads, Va. On 27 July she left Hampton Roads for New Berne, N. C., where she served as a tug. Bazely participated in the capture of Plymouth, N. C., 31 October 1864. Her commanding officer Acting Ensign Mark D. Ames, was commended for his intelligent and gallant conduct during this action and recommended for promotion. She later accompanied the expedition against Rainbow Bluff during which she was sunk by a torpedo in the Roanoke River 10 December 1864.