She made four voyages for the British East India Company (EIC), and was wrecked on her fifth while still outward bound.

During the Peace of Amiens, the EIC contracted with Thomas Hurry, Esq., that Devonshire, then building would carry out six voyages for them.

[2] On 7 August, HMS Blenheim, Captain Austin Bissell and Rear-Admiral Thomas Troubridge, was escorting a fleet of East Indiamen consisting of Castle Eden, Cumberland, Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Exeter, Ganges, Hope, and Preston.

Troubridge reprimanded the captains of Cumberland and Preston for having acted too boldly in exchanging fire with the French.

[5][6] Devonshire reached Madras on 23 August and arrived at Diamond Harbour on 11 September.

she was at Madeira on 8 May, reached Madras on 15 September, and arrived at Diamond Harbour on 22 October.

Devonshire reached Madras on 10 September and arrived at Diamond Harbour on 12 October.

[1] However, the Lloyd's List account and that of an eyewitness, an EIC captain, makes it clear that she was at anchor to take on a cargo for China.