The contract to build the Orpheus was awarded to John Barnard at Harwich, the keel being laid in May 1771, and the frigate was launched 7 May 1773, at a cost of £12,654.16.11d.

On the afternoon of 28 June 1776, Kingfisher spotted the American privateer Nancy sailing toward Cape May and began chase, followed by Orpheus.

[3] Nancy, to evade capture of her supplies of gunpowder and arms, ran aground at Turtle Gut Inlet.

[4] In the ensuing battle, Nancy was set on fire and exploded, killing the master's mate and six men on longboats from Kingfisher.

[6] Orpheus was abandoned and burnt to avoid capture by the French at Rhode Island on 5 August 1778.