Kewanee was commissioned on 15 August 1864, with Captain William C. Pease placed in command. On 9 September, Kewanee arrived at Holmes Hole, Massachusetts,"Marine Intelligence", The New York Times, 1864-09-13. after which she spent some time cruising for privateers, before putting in to coal at New London, Connecticut in mid-November."Naval Intelligence", The New York Times, 1864-11-21.
