In December 1796, Apollo and Polyphemus were off the Irish coast when they captured the 14-gun French privateer schooner Deux Amis, reportedly of "100 tons" bm and 80 men.

African Packet was carrying silver, which Willson placed in the hands of the firm of Marsh and Creed, London, for onward transfer to the Registry of the High Court of Admiralty.

[3] Deux Amis wrecked on the night of 23–24 May 1799 on the back of the Isle of Wight; her passengers and crew were saved.

She was sailing from Jersey to Portsmouth when on the night of the 23rd she struck a sunken rock at Grange Chine.

[4] When Captain Green of the North Hants militia heard what was happening, he and his officers sent a strong detachment to enforce order.