 "General Bragg" was fitted out at Cairo, Illinois, departing 9 July 1862 for Helena, Arkansas.She sailed 16 August 1862 as part of an escort to steamer "Iatan" carrying 500 troops to the mouth of the Yazoo River for reconnaissance of Confederate batteries and guerrilla parties.For the next 15 months, except for periods of repair at Memphis, Tennessee, she patrolled the river from Helena to the mouth of the Yazoo River, where she guarded against Confederate movements toward Vicksburg, Mississippi.