"Raleigh" supported Fort Hatteras and Fort Clark on August 28–29, 1861; took part in an expedition on October 1 to capture United States Army steamer "Fanny" with valuable stores on board; and accompanied CSS "Sea Bird" when she reconnoitered Pamlico Sound on January 20, 1862. She was also active in defense of Roanoke Island against an amphibious assault by overwhelming Federal forces on February 7–8, 1862, and at Elizabeth City, North Carolina 2 days later. Thence "Raleigh" escaped through Dismal Swamp Canal to Norfolk, Virginia.