Lloyd's List (LL) carried a report from the French papers that Vaillant had captured the packet boat Brilliant, from the West Indies.

[4] HMS Loire encountered Vaillant (Valiant) on 26 June 1805 and gave chase.

After 12 hours Vaillant had to surrender when Melampus and Brilliant arrived on the scene and cut her off.

She had been out for 20 days on a four-month cruise but had only captured the Halifax packet Lord Charles Spencer.

Maitland described her as "one of the most complete Ships ever fitted out at Bourdeaux, and is perfectly calculated to be taken into His Majesty's Service; sails incomparably fast...".