Caledonia first appeared in Lloyd's Register in the 1816 volume with Rodgers, master, Laing & Co., owner, and trade London–India.

Laing was one of many shipowners who sailed their vessels to explore the opportunity this had created.

1st convict voyage to Van Diemen's Land (1820): Captain Robert Carns sailed from Portsmouth on 10 July 1820.

2nd convict voyage to Van Diemen's Land (1822): Captain Carns sailed from Portsmouth on 19 June 1822.

Caledonia sailed via Rio de Janeiro and arrived at Hobart on 6 November.

She had been sailing from Bremen to Gaspé, Quebec, when her crew abandoned her at 49°N 6°W / 49°N 6°W / 49; -6 in a leaking state.