Accompanying the Texas flagship, Austin, she defeated a larger force of Mexican Navy steamships in the Naval Battle of Campeche in May 1843.

Originally called the Colorado, she was rechristened in honor of John Austin Wharton, a hero of the battle of San Jacinto.

[2] Leaving Galveston in January, Wharton reached Commodore Moore's squadron off the Yucatan port of Sisal on April 18, 1842.

After receiving a complete overhaul and recruiting a new crew at New Orleans, the Wharton and Moore's flagship, the Austin set out on April 19, 1843, again for a cruise off the Yucatan coast.

[2] The Austin and the Wharton left Mexican waters on June 25 and arrived at Galveston on July 14, 1843, effectively bringing to an end the active service of the Texas navy, as the ships would never leave port again.