Oliver H. Lee sch.

Oliver H. Lee
(Sch: t. 199; 1. 100'9"; b. 28'4"; dph. 8'; s. 11 k.; cpl. 37; a. 2 32-pdrs. 1 13" mor., 2 heavy 12-pdr. sb.)

Oliver N. Lee was purchased by the Navy at New York 27 August 1861 from Charles Clark, and commissioned at New York Navy Yard 4 February 1862; Aeting Master Washington Godfrey in command.

One of 21 schooners fitted out with mortars for a bomb flotilla organized by Comdr. David Dixon Porter to supDort Flag Officer Farragut's deep draft ships in their attack on New Orleans, Oliver H. Lee, sailed down the Atlantic coast, across the Gulf of Mexico and into the Mississippi through Pass a 1' Outre. In position below Forts St. PhfliD and Jackson, 18 April 1862, Oliver N. Lee and her sister schooners opened fire and maintained the barrage on the Confederate fortifications until the 24th when Farragut's salt water ships had raced passed the forts. The next day New Orleans surrendered.

The schooner subsequently supported operations on the Mississippi especially against Vicksburg and served in the Gulf. Sailing north for repairs, she nearly foundered from leaks through old shot holes but was saved by assistance from Vieksburg and steamed to Beaufort, N.C. She later decommissioned at New York 14 June.

Recommissioned 23 August, the schooner served in Florida waters for the remainder of the Civil War. She eaptllred cotton laden schooner Sort flying English colors near Anelote Keys 10 December and participated in operations near St. Marks, Fla., in February and March 1865.

After hostilities ceased, Oliver H. Lee decommissioned at Philadelphia 19 July 1865 and was sold at public auction there 10 August 1865.