Melancton Smith is shown to have been the commander of the USS MASSACHUSETTS in 1861 - 1862 (as noted in ORN 1, 16, 561 and 1, 27, 417). In 1863 - 1865, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W.H. West is noted as commanding the vessel (see ORN 1, 13, 760; 1, 15, 365 and 1, 16, 296).