The second USS Lawrence was a brig in the United States Navy launched by at Baltimore, Maryland on 1 August 1843 and commissioned 19 September 1843, Commander in command. After sailing to the Norfolk Navy Yard on 11 October 1843, Lawrence fitted out for a cruise to the West Indies. Underway 16 November, the ship cruised along the northern coast of South America until returning to Pensacola, Florida, 25 January 1844. She began a second cruise on 5 February, visiting Havana, Cuba, before proceeding north to Hampton Roads 8 March for repairs at the Norfolk Navy Yard.