Cricket No. 2 (Packet/Gunboat, 1860-1867)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Packet/Gunboat
• BUILT: 1860 at California, Pennsylvania
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Dismantled in 1867
• OWNERS: R. Hamilton and John Kyle; U.S. (1862-65); Private owner (1865); Captain William Durbridge
• OFFICERS & CREW: Captain S.B. Hempstead (master); H.H. Gorringe (master, 1864)
• RIVERS: Red River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - 1374; First home port, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a packet she ran Pittsburgh-Cincinnati and in the summer, Cincinnati-Louisville. Sold to the U.S. on November 18, 1862 and she became Civil War tinclad #6. In August 1863 she, along with the Lexington and the Marmora, scouted through the Red, Black, Ouachita and other rivers on expeditions to destroy Confederate provisions, boats, supplies, etc. In March 1864 she was on the Red River expedition. The Eastport sank above Alexandria with the Fort Hindman and the Cricket standing by to try and save the boat. The Cricket, in trying to get back out to Alexandria, was struck 38 times by shell with five minutes. Twenty-five men were lost or wounded aboard her. After the war, the Cricket was sold to private owners and eventually dismantled in 1867
• PHOTO DESCRIPTION: At shore with another unidentified boat behind her