HMS Hermes was the Dutch cutter Mercuur, that the Amsterdam Admiralty purchased in 1781 or 1782.

(Mercuur was a brig when captured.)

HMS Sylph captured her off the Texel on 12 May 1796 after a chase during which Mercuur threw all but two of her guns overboard.

[3] The British Royal Navy commissioned her in July 1796 under Commander William Mulso, for the North Sea.

[2] Hermes disappeared during a gale on 31 January 1797.