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USS Poinsett (1840) facts for kids

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History
United States
Name USS Poinsett
Namesake Joel Roberts Poinsett
Owner U.S. War Department
Laid down date unknown
Acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1840 from the U.S. War Department
In service circa 1840
Out of service August 1842
Homeport Tampa, Florida
Fate returned to the War Department in 1845
General characteristics
Type gunboat
Displacement 250 tons
Length not known
Beam not known
Draft not known
Propulsion steam engine, sidewheel-propelled
Speed not known
Complement not known
Armament Two guns

USS Poinsett (1840) was a gunboat acquired by the U.S. Navy from the U.S. War Department for use during the Second Seminole War. Post-war she performed survey duties before being returned to the War Department.

Service in the Second Seminole War

The first ship to be so named by the Navy, Poinsett, a sidewheel gunboat, was transferred from the War Department to the Navy Department in 1840 for service in the 2nd Seminole War. Initially commanded by Comdr. Isaac Mayo, she was employed against the Seminoles until August 1842 when a large percentage of the tribe was relocated in the west.

Assigned to survey duties

Then assigned to survey activities, Poinsett remained in the waters off Florida, primarily in the Tampa area, until returned to the War Department in 1845

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