HMS Morningstar was a one-and-a-half year old cutter that the British Royal Navy purchased in 1763.

Lieutenant William Burstall commanded her on the North Sea station, also operating from Hull, between 1766 and 1769.

Lastly, Lieutenant J. Lind commanded her on the North Sea station, operating along the Lincolnshire coast.

Morning Star, George Cleiland, master, sailed from Gravesend on 5 November 1773, bound for Africa.

Captain Allen and the mate, with the assistance of men from Deal, brought her back into Ramsgate.