Sunflower, an unarmed, cotton-clad, Confederate steamer probably built at Louisville, Ky., in 1857, and described in official records as a "good boat," was employed in and around the Sabine River in the latter part of 1862. As a unit of the army controlled Texas Marine Department [See Annex III] she assisted in removing obstructions to navigation in the Sabine River in January 1863. Her efforts in this operation contributed to the ensuing victory of CSS Uncle Ben and Josiah A. Bell over the Union sloop Morning Light, and schooner Fairy, formerly Velocity. During October 1863 she underwent repairs at Beaumont and returned to duty with Commander Hunter's Marine Brigade, carrying supplies. In April 1865 Sunflower reportedly was engaged in the cotton trade on Sabine Lake.
