History | |
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Name | Mercuur |
Launched | 1781 |
Captured | 12 May 1796 |
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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 foot) [a] |
Beam | 30' |
Depth of hold | 13' |
Propulsion | Sails |
Complement |
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Armament |
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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 on 12 May 1796 after a chase during which Mercuur threw all but two of her guns overboard. [3]
The British 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]