John Henslow designed the small sloops for coastal patrol duties off Newfoundland.

[2] Herbert's successor, in 1792, was Lieutenant John Tucker.

In 1794 Lieutenant Alexander Shippard (or Sheppard) assumed command.

[1] On 7 May 1794 Placentia was sailing towards Burin from Marisheen when a strong current drove her towards the island of Marticot.

She anchored off a reef but next morning a swell pushed her onto the rocks.