She participated in the capture of San Sebastián in 1813, a campaign that resulted in the Admiralty awarding her crew the Naval General Service Medal.

She remained on the North America station until she sailed to Portsmouth where she underwent repairs in November to December 1811.

[4] In August–September, Holly was part of a squadron of some 17 vessels, including Juniper and Beagle, that participated in the siege of San Sebastián.

Because of the shallowness of the water, only the smaller vessels could approach closely enough to bring their guns to bear on the town's defenses.

Holly was sailing along the coast of northern Spain on 28 January 1814 when the weather deteriorated to the point that Treacher decided to shelter at San Sebastián.