She was bought from a commercial builder during the early years of the American War of Independence, and went on to support operations in the English Channel and the Caribbean.

At one stage she assisted an attack on a French-held island, an expedition commanded by a young Horatio Nelson.

Drake spent most of her time in Caribbean waters, until being declared unfit for service in 1800 and deleted from the navy lists.

Drake was built by Henry Ladd, of Dover and purchased while on the stocks as a cutter in March 1779.

King contemplated a second attack with the frigates, but the winds were not favorable and ultimately the British squadron withdrew.

She underwent repairs and a refit at Sheerness for £2,981 between October 1787 and December 1788, recommissioning in November 1788 under Commander Jeremiah Beale.

[7][a] On 20 April 1797 Drake formed part of a squadron under Captain Hugh Pigot, consisting of the 32-gun frigates Hermione, Mermaid and Quebec, and the cutter Penelope.

During the chase and engagement, Drake was inshore of Pelican and sailed to cut Trompeuse off from taking refuge in Jean-Rabel.

Pelican lost one man killed and had five men wounded but Drake apparently was not exposed to hostile fire and so did not suffer any casualties.

[12] In Drake Perkins, in company with Solebay, Captain Poyntz, shared in the capture of four French corvettes on 24 November 1799 off Cape Tiburon.