The warship made numerous trial runs out of the nation's capital during the spring and summer of 1842, demonstrating the advantages of steam propulsion in restricted waters to the Government, and then departed for a long cruise to the Gulf of Mexico.

Minister Cushing was able to rescue his official letter to the Daoguang Emperor of China, allowing him later to carry out his mission.

[3] In four hours, the steam frigate was reduced to a blackened and sinking hulk and finally at 03:20 in the morning of 27 August, the forward powder magazine exploded, destroying the burning ship.

British ship of the line HMS Malabar assisted Missouri in fighting the fire and took aboard some 200 of her crew.

Sir Robert Wilson, the Governor of Gibraltar, opened the gates of the base to the Missouri survivors in an act of courtesy which was recognised by a resolution of appreciation from Congress.