She mistakenly went to Trenton, New Jersey arriving on 13 September, she was then ordered to Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania for inspection by naval constructor Joshua Humphreys to see if the transport would be suitable for use as a warship.

In December, she put to sea in company with a convoy bound for the Caribbean and arrived in the West Indies by early 1800.

On 21 January 1800, the brig and her consort, USSHerald, encountered and captured the 6-gun privateer schooner La Mutine off Puerto Rico.

In cooperation with Toussaint L'Ouverture's schooner General Dessalines, Augusta sent boat crews into the bay to cut out two French brigs, the names of which are unknown.

[7] In a letter dated 20 February 1801 to Josiah Parker, chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs, Navy Secretary Stoddert recommended selling her.