[1] Kingfisher was one of a number of small sloops and brigs purchased on the stocks while under construction during the American War of Independence.

Kingfisher was fitted at Chatham Dockyard, and commissioned for service in May 1783 under Commander William Albany Otway.

Taking a direct approach he gathered his officers and marines and attacked the mutineers with swords and cutlasses, killing and wounding several.

[6][7] Maitland was promoted to post-captain on 11 August 1797 and was given command of HMS San Nicolas, one of the prizes captured by Nelson at the Battle of Cape St Vincent.

[9] Disaster struck when Kingfisher was bilged on the Portuguese coast after running onto the Lisbon Bar while leaving the Tagus on 3 December 1798, and was lost.