USS Thomas Freeborn
Thomas Freeborn was a sidewheel steamer built in 1860 at Brooklyn, New York. She was launched on November 17, 1860 and was named after Captain Thomas Freeborn, who lost his life in the discharge of his duty on board the ship John Minturn on December 15, 1846.
Thomas Freeborn was one of three steam tugs chartered by the Navy in April 1861 for use in the unsuccessful Fort Sumter relief expedition. She was detained at New York City, however, and did not sail with the other two ships, USS Yankee and Uncle Ben.
On 7 May, she was purchased by the Union Navy and, under the command of Comdr. James H. Ward, joined the newly formed “Flying Flotilla” as his flagship. She departed New York City on 16 May for duty in the Chesapeake Bay and at Hampton Roads, Virginia.