HMS Hermes (1796)

NameMercuur

Launched1781

Captured12 May 1796

NameHMS Hermes

History
Dutch Republic/Batavian Republic
Name	Mercuur
Launched	1781
Captured	12 May 1796
Great Britain
Name	HMS Hermes
Acquired	1796 by capture
Fate	Foundered 31 January 1797
General characteristics [1][2]
Type	brig-sloop
Tons burthen	210 (bm)[2]
Length	85 Amsterdam feet[a]
Beam	30 Amsterdam feet
Depth of hold	13 Amsterdam feet
Propulsion	Sails
Complement	Dutch service:150 At capture:85 Royal Navy:80
Armament	Dutch service: 12-24 guns At capture:16 guns British service: 14 × 24-pounder carronades + 2 × 6-pounder chase guns

HMS Hermes was the Dutch cutter Mercuur, that the Amsterdam Admiralty purchased in 1781 or 1782. (Mercuur was a brig when captured.) HMS Sylph captured her off the Texel in the action of 12 May 1796 after a chase during which Mercuur threw all but two of her guns overboard.^[3]

The Royal Navy commissioned her in July 1796 under Commander William Mulso, for the North Sea.^[2]

Hermes disappeared during a gale on 31 January 1797.^[2] She was presumed to have foundered with all hands.^[4]