The ship was assigned to the Atlantic Blockading Squadron and sailed for Hampton Roads. Late in August, "Susquehanna" participated in the joint Army-Navy expedition to Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, which captured Fort Clark and Fort Hatteras on 29 August. During September, she captured two British schooners: "Argonaut" on 13 September and "Prince Alfred" on 28 September. In the same month, she also took two Confederate schooners as well: "San Juan" on 28 September and "Baltimore" the following day. All four ships were laden with contraband.