 At the conclusion of the yard work, she resumed duty along the Atlantic Ocean coast from the base at Hampton Roads and remained so employed during the winter of 1862 and 1863.After repairs at Baltimore, Maryland, in April and May she returned to Hampton Roads where she began duty as guardship as a consequence of her deteriorating sailing and her almost nonexistent steaming abilities.That assignment, conducted at various locations in the southern Chesapeake Bay -- Fortress Monroe, Hampton Roads, and at the mouths of the James and York Rivers—occupied her until the fall of 1864.