From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships
A feminine proper name.
ScTug: t. 170; a. 2 guns
Sternwheel steamer Maria, acquired by the Navy 10 February 1864 was officially renamed Fairy (q.v.) 1 June 1864.
Maria, an Iron hulled screw tug, was built by William Perine of New York City, N.Y., in 1864. Delivered to the Navy 11 April 1865, too late to see action In the Civil War, Maria spent most of her naval career in ordinary at New York Navy Yard. She was sunk in collision with monitor Mianotomah off Martha's Vineyard, Mass., 4 January 1870.
Transcribed by: Bill Mozingo, wmozingo@attbi.com