[3]Harbinger first appeared in Lloyd's Register in 1797 with Chapman, master, M. Hogan, owner, and trade London–Cape of Good Hope.

[2] In 1801 Harbinger, under the command of Captain John Black, was the second vessel to sail through Bass Strait en route to Port Jackson, Australia.

King wanted her to carry supplies to Norfolk Island and bring back salt pork.

[1] On 1 November Governor King commissioned her as a war vessel under the command of Captain William House.

Captain William House ran Norfolk aground to avoid her being smashed on the rocks.