Trompeuse was being built as a privateer at Le Havre when the French Navy requisitioned her on the stocks and took her into service.

[1] HMS Sphinx captured Trompeuse on 12 January 1794 near Cape Clear Island after a chase of about two hours and an engagement of 10 minutes or so.

The Royal Navy commissioned Trompeuse in May 1794 under John Erskine Douglas,[2] who was promoted Commander into her.

Vice-admiral Sir Robert Kingsmill, commander in chief of the Cork station, on 11 June 1796 sent Trompeuse from Cork to assist HMS Unicorn and her prize Tribune after the action of 8 June 1796.

The quarry was the privateer Eveille, of six guns (four of which she had thrown overboard during the chase), and 100 men.