[1][5][6] On 2 January 1845, McLane was contracted to be built by Cyrus Alger of Boston, Massachusetts, and was launched and ready for sea trials on 29 November.

War was declared with Mexico on 13 May 1846 and on 16 May the cutter was loaded with a full supply of ammunition and stores ordered to proceed to New Orleans, Louisiana.

[1][7] On 26 May, Captain William Howard reported to the Secretary of the Treasury that he was having problems recruiting a crew and could not sail as directed, however McLane did get underway on 27 May.

On 26 August she received orders to blockade Mexican merchant shipping as far south as Tampico, Mexico, and sailed the same day.

[1] McLane joined the U.S Navy Home Squadron at Tampico on 30 August and was directed to blockade duty along the east coast of Mexico.