She then participated in the disastrous Penobscot Expedition where her crew had to scuttle her in August to prevent her capture.

she fired two shots at a rebel (American) schooner near Matinecoock Point, Long Island, and chased her into a creek that was too shallow for Diligent to enter.

[6] The next day, Diligent sent two boats in to cut off some rebel whaleboats that had landed at Loyds Neck.

[8] Ten days later, boats from Diligent, Cerberus, and Falcon, together with an un-named tender, cut out a brig from Newfield Harbour.

Recovery was sailing from Portsmouth to Charles Town with a cargo of lumber, and her captors sent her into New York.

Lady Washington was sold for £26,000, of which, as captain, Russell was entitled to two-eighths in prize money.

[13] Some time thereafter, Diligent chased two large enemy brigs of 18 guns each that were escorting a convoy.

[15] The three-hour engagement began with a broadside and volley of small arms fire from Providence.

[15] The Continental Navy took Diligent into service, commissioning her under the command of Lieutenant Phillip Brown.