User:Geo Swan/HMS Toronto (1838)

For other uses, see HMS Toronto.

Drawing of the HMS Toronto in 1833, when she was first launched as the American merchant vessel General Porter.

The HMS Toronto was a paddle steamer built in 1834 as the American vessel General Porter. During her first four years of operation, as a merchant ship, her home port was Buffalo, New York. She sank, and was raised, twice, during this period. In 1838, following cross-border raids by anti-British elements residing in the USA, the colonial government of Canada acquired the vessel, renamed her the Sir Charles Adams, and employed her as a patrol vessel. Later in 1838 she was transferred to the Royal Navy, where she was renamed the HMS Toronto, and served as a patrol vessel until 1842. In 1843 she was converted to a floating warehouse, after the removal of her engines.

On October 7, 1843, she was sold back to American merchants. She was dismasted on October 8, 1843, and had to be towed to port. She was employed as a merchant vessel until 1858, when she was reported to have been wrecked in Lake Michigan.