Barbara first appeared in Lloyd's Register (LR) in 1787 with W.Cruden, master, Hankey, owner, and trade London–Grenada.

[2] This information may have been slightly stale as there are numerous mentions in Lloyd's List (LL) in 1785–1786) of a Barbera, Clark, master, sailing between London and Grenada.

1st whaling voyage (1789–1790): Barbara appeared in LR for 1789 with B. Clark, master, Lucas & Co., owner, and trade London–Southern Fishery.

[4] 3rd whaling voyage (1791–1793): On 21 July 1791 Captain Skiff and Barbara were at 10°30′N 13°20′W / 10.500°N 13.333°W / 10.500; -13.333, bound for the Le Maire Strait.

[9] She was captured in February 1800 after sailors from the Spanish packet San Jose killed the captain and two officers.