She served during the French Revolutionary Wars, but her career ended after just four years in service when she was wrecked on the Haak sands off the Dutch coast.

[5] Then, in December, Apollo and Polyphemus were off the Irish coast when they captured the 14-gun French privateer schooner Deux Amis, of 100 tons bm and 80 men.

Apollo shared with Cruizer, Lutine, and the hired armed cutter Rose the proceeds from the capture on 13 May of the Houismon, Welfart, and Ouldst Kendt.

[Note 1] An accident at sea in late 1798 forced Apollo back to port in Great Yarmouth and left her with a depleted crew.

[8] Halkett gave orders for a prompt return to port, where the injured men were discharged from Apollo's service and entrusted to local medical care.

After some negotiation, the Prussian captain agreed to jettison the bulk of his cargo of wines and take 250 of Apollo's crew back to England.

Apollo's pilot, John Bruce was found to have shown "great want of skill" in the execution of his duties, and he was dismissed forthwith from naval service.

[9] No findings were made against Captain Halkett, who returned to the Navy at his previous rank and was granted command of a newly completed 36-gun frigate, also named Apollo.