HMS Excellent was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched at Harwich on 27 November 1787.

Aréthuse attempted to flee but part of her rigging broke during the night, and Excellent caught her.

On the following day, Magnificent, which was anchored in Prince Rupert's Bay,[4] sent a party of marines ashore to restore order.

The rebels were drawn up on the Upper Battery of Fort Shirley with three of their officers as prisoners and presented arms to the other troops.

Shots were returned, followed by a bayonet charge that broke their ranks and a close range fire fight ensued.