Named after Union General James Birdseye McPherson, a prominent figure in the American Civil War.

[3] The official registry of United States personnel and assets of July 1887 shows the vessel at 104.23 tons (measurement unstated) but gives no other dimensions.

[4] On February 2, 1869, the vessel was badly damaged following an accidental collision with the British ship Duke of Edinburgh.

On June 16, 1885, the commanding general of the Division of the Pacific had warned the Secretary of War of "some great disaster, involving the loss of many lives, may occur with further delay" in replacing the vessel.

[2] General McPherson and all property aboard was advertised for sale and subsequently sold on March 31, 1887, to the Williams Diamond & Co., San Francisco for $7,755.