Georgia and Florida Operations
Isaac Smith participated in operations against the coast of South Carolina until 21 January 1862 when she sailed to join the expedition to Savannah, Georgia, led by Captain C. H. Davis, USN, and Brig. Gen. H. G. Wright of the Army. This operation was primarily a diversionary effort to cover up a projected attack on Fernandina, Florida; but it also provided valuable information about Confederate defenses of the water approaches to Savannah, Georgia, and it interrupted communications between Fort Pulaski and Savannah.
During the latter half of March and all of April, Isaac Smith was active in the vicinity of St. Augustine, Florida. She took possession of the post office there 18 March and two days later mounted a gun upon the ramparts of in a position to command the main road to the city. Her boats captured blockade runner British Empire 3 April.
Isaac Smith stood out of St. Augustine and entered St. Johns River 4 May to begin a period of 3 months' service in the vicinity of Jacksonville, Florida. Her presence there helped tighten the blockade, provided sanctuary for refugees, drew Southern troops away from more active fronts, and facilitated Union intelligence activity.
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