Salisbury origins and career are difficult to untangle because there were at various times several vessels by that name, all ranging between 117 and 125 tons burthen, and having similar trades.

Salisbury first appeared in LR in 1815 with S. Creedy, master, London owners, and trade London–Sierra Leone.

[3] She first appeared in the Register of Shipping (RS) with J. Creedy, master, Craig, owner, and trade London–Africa.

Seal hunting voyage (1820–1821): On 8 September 1820 Messrs Cannan, Smith and Millars appointed Captain Thomas Hodges, late master of Aberdeen, to command of Salisbury to engage in seal hunting.

[10] After delivering the settlers, Captain King and Salisbury traded between the Cape and Delagoa Bay.

King took the risk to cross the Bar, bringing her safely to anchor in the Bay of Natal.