Thames was launched in 1794 in London. The French captured her in late 1795, but the British Royal Navy recaptured her within a few weeks. She then disappeared from the registers for several years. She reappeared as Thames in 1800, sailing as a West Indiaman. In 1802, new owners sailed her as a slave ship in the triangular trade in enslaved people. She made one full voyage as a slave ship. French privateers captured her in 1805 after she had gathered captive in West Africa, but before she could deliver them to a port in the British Caribbean.
Thames first appeared in Lloyd's Register (LR) in 1794.[1]
Between 21 and 30 September 1795, a squadron of French frigates captured several British merchantmen, Thames, Atterberry, master, among them.[2] Shortly thereafter, recaptured Thames, Atterbury, master.[3]
Thames then disappeared from LR and the Register of Shipping for some years. She reappeared in 1800.[4]
| Year | Master | Owner | Trade | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 | J.Ferguson | Adam & Co. | London–Tobago | LR |
| 1802 | J.Ferguson J.Welch | Adam & Co. J.&A.Anderson | London–Tobago London–Africa | LR |
1st voyage transporting enslaved people (1802–1804): Captain James Welsh sailed from London on 6 December 1802. Thames acquired captives at the Sierra Leone estuary and arrived at Kingston on 2 December 1803, with 341 captives. Welsh had received a letter of marque on 17 November. Thames left Kingston on 12 April 1804, and arrived back in London 28 May.[5]
2nd slave voyage (1805): Captain Welsh sailed from London on 18 February 1805, bound for Africa.[6]
Two French schooners captured Thames, Welch, master, in late 1805 off Surinam. They took her into Guadeloupe.[7]