Mercurys origins are obscure. She may have been launched in New York in 1774, possibly under another name. In 1793 she made one voyage as a slave ship in the Atlantic triangular slave trade. A French privateer captured Mercury, but the Royal Navy recaptured her.
Career A Mercury of 126 ton (bm) first appeared in Lloyd's Register (LR), in 1793.LR (173), Seq.No.M594494.
Year Master Owner Trade Source 1793 Lockhart J.Taylor London–Antigua LR
Capture (1793): Captain George Hauit sailed from Liverpool on 1 January 1793. Mercury gathered slaves at Bance Island. She sailed from Africa on 7 August.Trans Atlantic Slave Trade Database – Mercury voyage #82689.
The French privateer Liberty, of Bordeaux, captured seven slave ships before July 1793: Mercury, Hewitt, master, , , , , , and , Roper, master. Mercury was captured off Cape Mount.
The cutter recaptured Mercury. In December 1793 Lloyd's List reported that Mercury, Hewitt, master, had arrived at Barbados.
Captain Hewitt purchased the recaptured Mercury.
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