back in commercial service "curlew" inaugurated a freight service between new york and baltimore, maryland. she cleared baltimore on 5 november 1863 and proceeded down the bay for new york with a full cargo. near midnight on a dark, cloudy night she collided with the northbound steamer "louisiana" near point lookout, maryland hitting "louisiana" near midships on the port side. "curlew" sank but captain parrish and the crew rowed to safety at point lookout. "louisiana" suffered damage and was towed to baltimore.