The vessel was present at the bombardment of Le Havre on 3 July 1759, and the following year captured the 10-gun Mercury off La Rochelle.

The sloop was recommissioned in January 1762 under the command of Lord William Campbell, before being refitted again, this time as a bomb vessel between February and March 1762.

They managed to reach within ten degrees of the North Pole, but were forced back by the ice, and returned to Britain in September 1773.

Lutwidge's later version, in 1809, reported that Nelson and a companion had given chase to the bear, and on being questioned why, replied that "I wished, Sir, to get the skin for my father.

"[2] After the conclusion of the Arctic expedition, Carcass was again paid off, recommissioning again in January 1775 under Commander James Reid for service on the African coast.