It is known that she was ordered to prevent all vessels hailing from Philadelphia, Tobago, or the Grenadines from sailing into Chesapeake Bay during an outbreak of yellow fever at those locations in 1793.

Enforcing the Embargo included preventing the arming and fitting out of privateers, either French or British, in American ports.

Virginia was involved in one such enforcement action when she attempted to seize the French-flagged privateer Unicorn.

By this time, Virginia's master, Richard Taylor, had resigned his commission due to his failing physical condition brought on by his war injuries.

First Mate John Lurty had taken command of the cutter although for unknown reasons he never received a promotion to the position of master.