Décius was appointed to the Saint Martin station in 1796, under Lieutenant Louis-André Senez.

On 27 November, she took part in the French invasion of Anguilla, along with the gun-brig Vaillante, and three schooners.

Returning to Guadeloupe, the French flotilla encountered the frigate HMS Lapwing, under Captain R. Barton.

Décius engaged Lapwing in order to cover the retreat of the weaker ships, and fought for two hours before striking her colours.

Barton took the prisoners aboard Lapwing and set fire to Décius.