Britannia entered Lloyd's Register in 1803 with master M. Leavy, owner Fletcher, and trade Liverpool-Jamaica.

[5] This time, sensing an easy capture as her quarry appeared unready, General Ernouf came alongside and attempted to board.

The two vessels exchanged both cannon and small arms fire, with Britannia twice repulsing boarding attempts.

[5] In his description of the engagement, Leavy mentioned that the desertion of four men at Madeira and the illness of two had left him short-handed and unable fully to man his guns.

The contractor found two guns, part of her cargo, including machinery, and ingots of pig iron that made up her ballast.