The "Roanoke" departed for New York City after the battle, leaving Franklin ashore for a few days until the "Dacotah" arrived. The ship was assigned to the North Atlantic Blocking Squadron, serving in the waters off Hampton Roads as part of the Union blockade of the Confederacy. On May 18 and 19, 1862, Franklin and the "Dacotah" participated in an exchange of gunfire with Confederate shore batteries at Sewell's Point. He witnessed the scuttling and burning of the "Virginia" on May 11, 1862, and cruised to New Orleans, Louisiana, to deliver messages before returning Hampton Roads in late June. The "Dacotah" then joined the James River Flotilla, destroying forts along the James River.