Crescent enters Lloyd's Register in 1790 with J. Moring, master, St Barbe, owner, and trade London–Straits (of Gibraltar).

War with France had commenced in February and the size of Crescent's crew is consistent with her sailing as a privateer.

Lloyd's Register for 1798 shows Crescent's master changing from J. Moring to J. Elsmere, and her trade from Falmouth–Smyrna to London–East Indies.

[6] Lloyd's Register for 1798 shows Crescent's master changing from Lesmere to S. Brown, and her trade from London–East Indies to London–Jamaica.

The volume for 1799 makes it clear that the new owner was Shedden & Co. On 11 June 1801, Captain William Chapman acquired a letter of marque.

The Register of Shipping for 1802 shows her master changing from Chapman to A. Cowan, her owner from Capt.

[11] Because the Peace of Amiens had ended the war with France, Cowan did not acquire a letter of marque.

[12][d] Crescent arrived at West Africa and started gathering captives at Cape Coast Castle on 8 December.