Zephyr (1790 ship)
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| History | |
|---|---|
 Great Britain | |
| Name | Zephyr |
| Owner | Kensington & Co.[1] |
| Builder | Thames |
| Launched | 1790 |
| Captured | 1798 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 286,[2][1] or 300[3] (bm) |
| Propulsion | Sail |
| Complement | 18[3] |
| Armament |
|
Zephyr was built on the River Thames in 1790 as a West Indiaman. From c.1796 she started to serve the British East India Company (EIC) as a packet ship. However, a French privateer captured her in 1798.
Zephyr entered Lloyd's Register in 1791 with T. Scott, master, and trade London-St Vincent.[2]
After the commencement of the French Revolutionary Wars in 1793, Captain Thomas Scott received a letter of marque on 9 March.[3]
On 30 December 1795, Messrs. St Barbe, Green, and Bignell offered Zephyr, and another brig, Aurora, to the Committee of Shipping of the EIC.[5] The next day the Committee replied that as the EIC had decided not to engage any vessels of under 400 tons burthen, it would decline the offer.[6]
Lloyd's List reported on 11 October 1796 that Zephyr had arrived at Dover from Demerara. As she arrived in English waters she saw a brig founder at Lands End.[7]
The next year the EIC reversed its earlier policy and engaged Zephyr as a packet. Lloyd's Register for 1797 shows her trade changing from Cork—San Domingo to London—East India.[4]
Loss
On 20 February 1798 as Zephyr was returning to Britain from Bengal and the Cape of Good Hope, the French privateer Vengeance captured her at 45°35′N 37°10′W / 45.583°N 37.167°W. Zephyr, which was under the command of Captain John Scott, was no match for Vengeance, which was armed with 24 guns and had a crew of 215 men.[a] Vengeance sent Zephyr into Bordeaux.[9] The EIC valued its cargo on Zephyr at £2,554.[10]