Black Hawk

Black Hawk

(SwStr: T. 902; 1. 260'; b. 45'6"; dph. 8'; a. 4 32-par.
S. B.r 2 39-par. R.. 1 12-pdr. R., 1 12-pdr. S. B.)

Black Hawk, a side-wheel river steamer, was built in 1848 ns Unolo Sam at New Albany, Ind.; purchased by the Navy at Cairo, Ill., 24 November 1862 as New Uncle Sam; commissioned 6 December 1862, Lieutenant Commander K. R. Breese in command; and renamed Black Hawk 13 December 1862.

During most of her service Black Hawk served as flagship for Rear Admirals D. D. Porter and S. P. Lee, successive commanders of the Mississippi Squadron. She participated in the operations around Vicksburg, Miss. (December 1862); capture of Fort Hindman, Ark. (11 January 1863); attack on Haines Bluff, Miss. (29 April2 May); siege of Vicksburg (19 May-4 July); and the Red River Expedition (12 March-29 May 1864). Thereaiiter she patrolled in the Mis~issippi River and its tributaries. On 22 Aprll 1866 she accidentally burned and sank, three miles above Cairo. Her wreck was raised und sold at St. Louis in April 1807.