Dictionary.net

A British-Confederate cruiser. She sailed from London as the "Sea King," October 8, 1864, commanded by Captain James J. Waddell, of the Confederate navy. Making for Madeira, her name was changed to the "Shenandoah." From Madeira she sailed for Melbourne, destroying a number of United States merchant ships on her way. Thence she went to Behring Sea and did great damage to the whaling vessels. At the close of the war the "Shenandoah" was surrendered to the British Government and afterward turned over to the United States.