On 4 May 1779, off Gibraltar, she took part in a naval action with Victoire against the 32-gun frigates HMS Thetis and Montreal.

Thetis succeeded, but at 9p.m., Bourgogne and Victoire caught up with Montreal, came alongside, and ordered Douglas to send over a boat.

Captain Douglas attempted to escape, but after the French had fired several broadsides into Montreal he struck.

There they captured the frigate HMS Richmond, which the French Navy took into service as Richemont.

Captain Champmartin received a three-month suspension as sanction for the loss of the ship.