Earl of Hertford was launched on the River Thames in 1781.

Captain Daniel Clarke sailed from Gravesend on 6 May, bound for India and stopped at Portsmouth on 18 May.

She foundered at Madras Roads on 15 October 1782 in a monsoon while she lay at anchor.

[3][2][4] Earl of Hertford had been carrying cargo destined for China.

At Madras these was also other cargo destined for China that had belonged to Latham and Fortitude General Coote, Francis, and Montague carried the cargo to Canton.