The second USS Porpoise was a 224-ton Dolphin class brigantine (In Early American usage a brigantine was referred to as a hermaphrodite brig.) The USS Porpoise was later rerigged as a brig (see illustration at right). She was based on the same plans as Dolphin. Porpoise was authorized by Congress on 30 June 1834; built in 1835; and launched 31 May 1836; Lieutenant William Ramsay in command.