She was purchased in 1897 by Allerton D. Hitch and used for coastal trade in the Cape Verde islands off the west African coast.

3, went ashore in a secure anchorage at Bay Ridge, Brooklyn in the upper harbor without loss of life.

Pilot Cooper reached the Caracas first and climbed aboard to bring the steamship into port.

[10] The Thomas D. Harrison was listed as a New Jersey pilot-boat in 1895 with pilot Stephen Cooper in command.

On January 26, 1897, the Thomas D. Harrison went on a 4,000 mile voyage to São Vicente, Cape Verde off the west African coast.