She is notable as one of the earliest attempts at building a frigate armed with 24-pounders on the artillery deck, rather than the 18-pounders typical of the day.

During the American Revolutionary War, she took part in the Indian campaign of the naval operations, notable in the Siege of Pondicherry.

[5][6] After Thomas d'Estienne d'Orves died on 9 February 1782 and he assumed command of the French forces in the Indian Ocean, Suffren gave Morard de Galles command of the 50-gun Petit Hannibal, putting Lieutenant de Ruyter in charge Pourvoyeuse.

The convoy sustained an attack from the British, and the transport Bons-Amis, under Captain Granières, managed to repel HMS Seahorse.

[8] In early July 1782, during the run-up of the Battle of Negapatam, Suffren sent Pourvoyeuse to Malacca to purchase spare spars, food and ammunition to resupply his fleet.