Fairplay (Packet/Gunboat, 1859-1865)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sidewheel
• BOAT TYPE: Packet/Gunboat
• BUILT: 1859 at New Albany, Indiana
• BECAME: Cotile
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Sold to Captain Charles C. Duncan at Mound City, Illinois on August 18, 1865; renamed
• OWNERS: Captain George W. Carras; U.S. (1862)
• OFFICERS & CREW: Lieut. Leroy Fitch
• RIVERS: Cumberland River; Ohio River; Mississippi River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - 1961; Originally operated as a packet by Captain Carras at New Orleans. She was captured on August 18, 1862 by U.S. forces. At the time, the Fair Play was carrying a load of rifles, etc. destined for the Confederates. The U.S. converted her into a tinclad (#17) and used her on the Ohio River operating between Smithland and Louisville, and based at Evansville, Indiana. Lieut. Fitch of the U.S. Navy was the commander. He ordered her to guard convoys on the Cumberland River. On February 4, 1863 she was involved in the shelling at Fort Donnelson. On November 15, 1864 she was involved in the recapture of Bell's Mills, near Nashville, by Federal forces. In August 1865 she was sold to Captain Duncan of New Orleans who changed her name to Cotile