Naval History and Heritage Command

The first Carmita retained the name she carried at the time of her capture. The second Carmita perpetuated the name of the first.

I

The first Carmita, a British-built schooner, was captured by the sidewheel gunboat Magnolia -- herself a former blockade runner -- on 27 December 1862, two days after Christmas. Condemned by the Key West prize court, she was turned over to Acting Rear Admiral Theodorus Bailey, the commander of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. Carmita served as a lighter attached to the storeship in the harbor at Key West, remaining there until 1866 when she was declared unseaworthy and disposed of.

Updated, Robert J. Cressman

1 October 2021