In April 1866, "Ashuelot" played a role in the thwarting of an armed raid on Campobello Island, New Brunswick, by a group of about 700 members of the Fenian Brotherhood who had gathered in Maine for the purpose. The raiders were "sorely discouraged" after "Ashuelot" intercepted the brig "Prey", which was loaded with ammunition and a large quantity of weapons "of the finest and deadliest description" intended for use in the raid.