 "Isaac N. Seymour" was assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron 20 November and 3 days later was stationed in Hampton Roads, Virginia.While there she joined three other ships in engaging Confederate steamer "CSS Patrick Henry" and drove her back up stream.A month later Flag Officer Louis M. Goldsborough ordered "Isaac N. Seymour" to Hatteras Inlet for impending operations in the sounds of North Carolina.