Adrian first appeared in Lloyd's Register (LR) in 1820 with Johnston, master, Smith & Co., owners, and trade London, changing to London–New Brunswick.

British ships were then free to sail to India or the Indian Ocean under a license from the EIC.

[5] LR for 1822 showed Adrian's master changing from R. Johnston to J. Horn and her trade from London–Quebec to London–Bombay.

[9] Adrian had sailed via Gibraltar, Rio de Janeiro, and Cape Town (4–9 March).

She sailed from Bengal on 20 April 1825, the Sand Heads on 5 May, and St Helena on 23 August.

LR for 1827 showed her with S. Brown, master, J. Bentman, owner, and trade London–New south Wales.

The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser had a detailed manifest for the cargo Adrian, Stephen Brown, master, brought with her.

LL reported on 8 October 1827 that on her way between Batavia and England she rescued the master of Sir Francis N. Burton, which had wrecked on the Keeling Islands.

LR for 1830 showed Adrian's master changing from Graham to Sadler.