 "John Griffith" was purchased by the Navy at New York City from B. P. Woolsey 16 September 1861; and commissioned at New York Navy Yard 20 January 1862, Lt. K. Randolph Breese in command.The schooner was ordered to Key West, Florida, to join the Mortar Flotilla being organized by Comdr.David D. Porter for the decisive attack up the Mississippi River.