the cutter finally sailed for pensacola, florida, on 31 october and operated in the gulf of mexico. on 4 december, she moved via tampa bay to charlotte harbor to cooperate with the army. "jackson" remained in the gulf until returning to baltimore on 7 april 1838, but headed back toward southern waters again on 16 june. she returned to baltimore that autumn, but set a course for savannah, georgia, on 28 november 1838. she was called back to baltimore late in the spring of 1839.