"Flirt" sailed from Baltimore on 15 December 1839 as the flagship of a small squadron of schooners. Based at Key West they operated along the coast of Florida during the suppression of Indian uprisings. The force prevented the Indians from receiving ammunition and supplies from Cuba and Bermuda, and organized expeditions into the Everglades to protect settlers' lives and property. When the squadron was dissolved in 1842, "Flirt" was ordered north, arriving in Hampton Roads on 19 July.