Tartar was built in France in 1779, probably under another name, and taken in prize. She was in 1781 briefly a Bristol-based privateer. A French privateer captured her, but a British privateer recaptured her. She then became the merchantman Friends, and traded between Bristol and North America, primarily Newfoundland. Friends was last listed in 1793.
Career Tartar first appeared in Lloyd's Register (LR), in 1781.LR (1781), Seq.No.T315. She underwent fitting at Hilhouse, where she was fitted with sails to be able to sail as a lugger or schooner. Her first master was Aaron Floyd, who had been master on an earlier Bristol privateer named . Captain Aaron Floyd acquired a letter of marque on 10 February 1781.
Year Master Owner Trade Source & notes 1781 A. Floyd Easton & Co Bristol cruise LR
Lloyd's List reported in March 1781 that the privateer Phoenix, of Dartmouth, Captain Pidgely, had captured a brig from Mauritius and recaptured the Bristol privateer Tartar, and brought them both into Penzance. Phoenix and Tartar had sailed from Bristol together on 19 March. The French privateer was Black Princess.
Tartar was offered for sale at Falmouth in September.
Tartar then came under new ownership. Captain Doyle purchased her, renamed her Friends, and started sailing her between Bristol and Newfoundland.LR (1782), Seq.No.F390.
Year Vessel Master Owner Trade Source & notes 1782 Tartar A.FloydDoyle T.Easton & Co. Bristol privateer LR; now Friends 1782 Friends Doyle Captain & Co. Bristol–Newfoundland LR; former Tartar
By 1786 Friends was sailing between Bristol and Philadelphia, as well as Newfoundland. She underwent repairs in 1788.
Year Master Owner Trade Source & notes 1791 J.DoyleJ.Roche Captain & Co. Bristol–Newfoundland LR; repairs 1788
Fate Friends was last listed in 1793.
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