Defence was launched in 1803 at South Shields.

In the 1820s she sailed between Scotland and North America, particularly to Canada.

Defence first appeared in the Register of Shipping (RS) in 1804 with Trotter, master, S. Temple, owner, and trade London coaster.

[1] Defense was sailing from Alloa to Quebec when she was totally wrecked on 31 March 1832 near the entrance of Longhope, Orkney.

[4] On 10 April 1832 Lloyd's List too reported that Defence, Kinnear, master, had been totally wrecked near Long Hope.