HMS Grace was one of 11 Thames sailing barges that the Admiralty purchased in 1794 for the British Royal Navy.

After the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars the Navy found itself without vessels capable of inshore work and riverine operations.

In 1795 the Admiralty started to order purpose-built schooner or brigantine-rigged gun vessels.

Dawson's trial took place 25 July at Maidstone, where the jury quickly found him guilty of murder.

[2] The "Principal Officers and Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy" offered Grace, of 69 tons (bm), for sale on 24 October 1798.