[NimitzFan]

I seem to recall that this kind of vessel was double-ended for service in rivers or other narrow channels. The concept was based on ferryboats. They had rudders on both stern and bow and machinery suitable for use on both directions. They were not intended to sail in both directions, just steam in both of them. That way if caught in an ambush, they could easily reverse their way out. The sailing rig was normally furled and strictly for use in an emergency or to extend the range of the fuel supply.

BTW George Fielding Eliot wrote a novel in the 1950's about service in the US Navy during the Civil War that might be relevant. The book is called "Caleb Pettengill, U.S.N." and the hero ends up in command of a double-ender. It is long out of print, but I found a copy at ABE Books a while back and a quick check there shows it still available very cheaply. The writing and story isn't that great, but the author knows the details of his topic very well.