She carried five guns, and her crew were armed with the usual fighting equipment of seamen in the British navy.
The steamer "Wabuno" was armed and placed in commission to cruise on the Georgian Bay, in which waters her crew performed active and vigilant service on patrol duty for several weeks.
On the Niagara River and Lake Erie the steamer "W.

T.Robb" was retained in commission and fitted up for service as a cruiser.

In addition to the Dunnville Naval Brigade, a detachment of the St.Catharines Garrison Battery (under command of Lieut.

James Wilson) was placed on board with two guns, a 9-pounder and a 12-pound howitzer, and the necessary complement of small arms.

The wheel-house and cabins were covered with boiler plates, and the bulwarks strengthened by heavy planking for the protection of her crew, so that she was soon converted into a formidable craft and admirably fitted for the work she was detailed to do.