From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Active is an adjective denoting action or motion.

(Sch.: T. 122; cpl. 50; a. 2 guns)

The second Active was a schooner built in Baltimore, Md., as Clara. She was purchased in September 1837 for the Wilkes Exploring Expedition but was found to be unsuitable. After one cruise along the Atlantic coast under Lieutenant W. G. Woolsey, she was sold in July 1838.