Vesuvius, outfitted with a heavy 10 in (254 mm) mortar that was designed to attack and damage land-based fortifications, was assigned by the Navy to operations in the Mexican battle zones.

In August 1846, after many members of her crew contracted yellow fever while she was stationed off Vera Cruz, Vesuvius put into Bermuda en route north for recuperation.

George A. Magruder, she departed from that port towards the end of the winter of 1846 and 1847, arriving at Laguna del Carmen, Mexico, on 7 March 1847, for blockade duty.

Twenty-five officers and men from Vesuvius, led by Commander Magruder, took part in this action and were present when the flag of the United States was raised over the captured city.

Twelve days later, Perry launched an all-out assault against Tabasco, the last remaining large port commanded by the Mexicans on the Gulf coast.

Fort Iturbide, mounting six guns, soon fell to a landing force commanded by Lt. Porter, thus clearing the final obstacle from the road to Tabasco.