USS Genesee (1862)  USS "Genesee" (1862) was a steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Navy to patrol navigable waterways of the Confederacy to prevent the South from trading with other countries. "Genesee" was launched 2 April 1862 by the Boston Navy Yard; sponsored by Miss Emily Dorr; and commissioned 3 July 1862, Comdr. William M. Macomb in command. Assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, "Genesee" sailed from Boston, Massachusetts, 6 July 1862 for Hampton Roads, Virginia, where she convoyed U.S. mail steamers in the James River until departing 19 October for blockade duty off North Carolina. For over 3 months she helped seal Wilmington, North Carolina, and Beaufort from Confederate blockade runners. She got underway 19 February 1863 to join the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, arriving New Orleans, Louisiana, 7 March in time to join Rear Admiral David Farragut's expedition up the Mississippi River past Port Hudson, Louisiana, to cut off Confederate supplies from the Red River and to join Admiral David Dixon Porter and General U.S. Grant in operations against Vicksburg, Mississippi. During the siege of Vicksburg to the north, Port Hudson was the Confederate stronghold to the south. In order to cut off supplies which were being shipped from the west, Farragut & Banks determined to run the fort at Port Hudson. For the dangerous passage, Farragut lashed gunboats to the sides of his large steamers to protect the heavy ships from enemy fire and to improve their maneuverability. "Genesee" was paired off with "Richmond" when the Union Fleet moved upstream on the night of 14 March and came within range of the Confederate guns. In the ensuing fight Farragut's losses were greater than those he had suffered in taking New Orleans. "Richmond's" steam line was severed, forcing her to drop down out of range. "Genesee" fought on; but a 6-inch shot pierced her hull and detonated a 10-inch shell which, in turn, wreaked havoc below; and the murderous fire shredded her rigging. Only "Hartford" and her consort "Albatross" made it past the Southern batteries. Following needed repairs, "Genesee" continued to patrol the Mississippi River until after the fall of Vicksburg 4 July 1863. Then, she was ordered to the Gulf for blockade duty on 11 September.