Madgie (Gunboat)
1861-1863
The Navy retained the name carried by this vessel at the time of her acquisition.
(Gunboat: tonnage 220; length 122'6"; beam 22'7"; armament 1 8-inch, 1 20‑pounder)
Madgie, a wooden screw‑steamer, was built at Philadelphia in 1858 and purchased by the Navy at New York on 15 October 1861 for service as a gunboat in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Acting Master Frank B. Meriam in command.
After fitting out, Madgie arrived at Port Royal on 19 April 1862 to patrol southern waters, and steamed off Lawford Channel, Georgia, in May. She sank a vessel carrying 3,000 barrels of rice off Barrett's Island on 20 June, and captured schooner Southern Belle the same day. In July, Madgie joined the blockade of St. Simon's, reconnoitering up Ogeechee River with Paul Jones, Unidilla, and Huron on the 24th, engaging Confederate batteries at Fort McAllister. In September; Madgie was off Sepolo, Ga., until ordered to Doboy's Island to relieve Western World on 30 October.
After repairs at Port Royal in March 1863, Madgie spent the year off St. Catherine's Sound, capturing 15 persons from the steamer Ocanee on 21 August. Madgie sank off Frying Pan Shoals on 11 October 1863.
Updated, Robert J. Cressman
9 May 2022
