The USS James Adger was a sidewheel steamer built in New York City by William H. Webb during 1851–1852. Powered by a 240-horsepower side-lever engine supplied by Allaire Iron Works, she was originally a United States Mail Steamship operating between Charleston, South Carolina, and New York City. She was owned by James Adger II of Charleston and was seized by the Union at the outbreak of the Civil War, subsequently converted for military service. During the Civil War, the USS James Adger served primarily in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, performing a variety of roles including blockade duty, transport, and towing. She was actively involved in efforts to blockade Confederate ports such as Charleston and Georgetown, South Carolina. Notably, she participated in the capture of blockade runners like Emily St. Pierre and Elizabeth, which carried valuable cargoes of cotton, gunny cloth, and munitions. Her cooperation with other Union vessels was marked by effective teamwork, often remaining on station while others pursued blockade runners. The vessel also played a significant role in supporting Union operations around Charleston, including towing damaged monitors during attacks on the harbor. She served as flagship for Rear Admiral Du Pont during preparations for the assault on Charleston and assisted in towing and repair operations. Her service included escorting prisoners, engaging in pursuit of Confederate raiders like CSS Tacony, and capturing vessels such as the Confederate steamer Cornubia and Robert E. Lee, which carried arms and supplies. After multiple service periods and repairs, the USS James Adger was decommissioned in May 1866 and eventually sold in October of the same year. She was demolished on Apple Island in Boston Harbor. Throughout her service, she demonstrated versatility and played a vital role in the Union blockade strategy, exemplifying the importance of steam-powered vessels in Civil War maritime operations.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.