Captain William Beacon received a letter of marque for Earl Spencer on 3 August 1799.

Earl Spencer sailed in 1800 to South Georgia on her first sealing voyage.

[7] Lloyd's List reported on 2 May 1800 that Earl Spencer was at South Georgia.

She was reported to be returning from the South Seas on 22 December 1800, dismasted and leaky.

[2] Earl Spencer sailed a second time for South Georgia on 15 May 1801 under the command of Captain William Beacon (or Bacon, or Beyton).