 "Oleander", a wooden, side-wheel steamer built at Keyport, New Jersey, was launched 10 January 1863; purchased by the Navy at New York City from James Howe and C. W. Copeland 28 March 1863; and commissioned in the following fortnight, as she joined the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron upon arriving at Port Royal, South Carolina, 11 April.Originally commanded by Acting Master Woodbury H. Polley, the steamer served in Union blockade of the Confederate coast operating along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.On 28 July 1863, with and boats from and , "Oleander" attacked New Smyrna, Florida, shelling the town and capturing a sloop loaded with cotton and ready to sail.