Between October 1861 and February 1862 the "Curlew" alternately patrolled Pamlico Sound and harassed Union shipping at Hatteras Inlet. On February 7 the "Curlew" and eight other Confederate gunboats attempted to repel the Union invasion of Roanoke Island. During this battle the "Curlew" was holed by a shell and run aground to keep from sinking. The next day it was set on fire when the Confederate forces on Roanoke Island surrendered. The remaining Confederate gunboats withdrew to Elizabeth City, where all but two were destroyed or captured on February 10 in the Battle of Elizabeth City. (Olson 1997:118ff)