USS Grampus (1863)
The second USS "Grampus" was a side-wheel steamer in the United States Navy. She was named for a member of the dolphin family (Delphinidae): "Grampus griseus", also known as Risso's dolphin. Originally named "Ion", she was purchased by Rear Admiral David D. Porter for the U.S. Navy on 22 July 1863, at Cincinnati, Ohio, for US$9750. She was stationed at Cincinnati, Ohio, and used as a receiving ship for the Mississippi Squadron. By 14 November 1863, with Acting Master Elijah Sells in command, she was recognized as a "nice little receiving vessel in first -rate order," but contained no furnishings or weapons other than ten cutlasses and revolvers. With Acting Ensign C.W. Litherbury in command, "Grampus" remained at Cincinnati, Ohio, assisting in stripping of ships for conversion to gunboats, and effecting their delivery to fleet staging points for the Mississippi Squadron, principally Cairo, Illinois, and Mound City, Illinois. "Grampus" was sold to D.D. Holliday & Brothers on 1 September 1868 at Mound City, Illinois.