Manchester was originally built at Falmouth in 1805, and served the Post Office Packet Service.

In 1813 an American privateer captured her after a single-ship action, but the British Royal Navy recaptured her quickly.

Because packet ships sailed under contract with the Royal Mail, they did not carry marine insurance.

For instance, on 20 June 1806, Lloyd's List reported that the "Manchester Packet" had arrived at Falmouth from Tortola, which she had left on 18 May.

[8] On 24 June 1813 Manchester, Elphinston, master, encountered the American privateer Yorktown, of 500 tons (bm), 16 guns, and 116 men.

After a 20-hour running fight and 67 minute close engagement, Manchester struck at 47°20′N 25°0′W / 47.333°N 25.000°W / 47.333; -25.000, after first having thrown her mails overboard.

[10][a] Three days earlier Yorktown had captured Lavinia, Connell, master, from Saint Johns, Newfoundland, to Oporto.

[14] Other records confirm that Manchester was a packet brig, R. Elphinston, master, and represented a recapture.

[7] Captain Elphinston sailed Manchester from Falmouth on 19 August 1817, bound for Brazil.

[7] Captain Elphinston sailed Manchester from Falmouth on 21 December 1820, bound for Brazil.

Captain Elphinston sailed Manchester from Falmouth on 11 August 1822, bound for Brazil.

She had undergone a repair in 1830 and her new owners decided to employ her as a whaler in the Southern Whale Fishery, under the command of Captain Brown.

[3] Lloyd's Register for 1833 showed her trade as London–New South Wales, but that may represent only a part of her voyage.

Lloyd's Register for 1834 showed Manchester's master changing from Brown to Livesay, and her trade as London–Mauritius.