HMS Hermes (1796)

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.

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Hermes.

History
The Netherlands
NameMercuur
Launched1781
Captured12 May 1796
Great Britain
NameHMS Hermes
Acquired1796 by capture
FateFoundered 31 January 1797
General characteristics
Typebrig-sloop
Tons burthen210 (bm)
Length85' (Amsterdam foot)
Beam30'
Depth of hold13'
PropulsionSails
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

The British Royal Navy commissioned her in July 1796 under Commander William Mulso, for the North Sea.

Hermes disappeared during a gale on 31 January 1797. She was presumed to have foundered with all hands.

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