in january 1833, the "jefferson" suffered damage in a collision during her initial cruise. she began her career in norfolk, virginia and the following year sailed to charleston, south carolina. she was placed under orders of the united states secretary of the navy on 6 january 1836 for service against the seminole indians in florida, captain john jackson, usrm, in command. she sailed from charleston on february 19, and arrived in pensacola on april 30. from that time until 18 october 1837 she was active in the gulf of mexico visiting ports on the coast of florida, alabama, mississippi, the republic of texas, and mexico. from time to time her duties took her to the west indies. returning to the treasury department 18 october 1837, "jefferson" resumed her duties as a revenue cutter at mobile, alabama.