Built at Rochester, Kent by Mary Ross, Bold was launched on 13 July 1812 and commissioned on 12 September 1812 under Commander James K White.

[1] In early January 1814 during the War of 1812, some crew volunteered to reinforce the squadron on the Great Lakes, together with men from Fantome and Manly.

Seventy men left Halifax; they reached Kingston, Ontario on 22 March, having traveled some 900 miles in winter, almost entirely on foot.

[citation needed] She was subsequently commanded by Lieutenant I. Burch during the operations in the Chesapeake, and was present during the actions at Washington and Baltimore.

[4] Under the rules of prize-money, Herald shared in the proceeds of the capture of six American vessels in the Battle of Lake Borgne on 14 December 1814.