Winslow, also known as Warren Winslow, formerly the river steamer Joseph E. Coffee, also referred to as J. E. Coffee of Norfolk, was purchased and fitted out by the Governor of North Carolina after the State seceded on 20 May 1861. Lt. T. M. Crossan, CSN, was placed in command. Winslow cruised off Hatteras Inlet, N.C., in search of Federal merchant shipping, taking several prizes including the Union steamer Itasca.
When North Carolina joined the Confederacy in July, her navy, consisting of Winslow, Ellis, Raleigh and Beaufort, was turned over to the Confederate States Navy, and Winslow continued taking prizes in the area of Hatteras and New Berne Harbor.
Winslow carried Capt. S. Barren, commander of Forts Hatteras and Clark and was under direct fire during the battle for the forts, 28-29 August 1861, escaping to Goldsboro with many wounded and refugees just prior to the fall of Hatteras.
On 7 November 1861 near Ocracoke Inlet Winslow was lost when she struck a sunken hull, then was set afire by her crew.
