HMS Valiant was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched on 24 January 1807 at Blackwall Yard.

[2] On 17 June 1813, Valiant was in company with Acasta when they came upon HMS Wasp in pursuit of an American brig off Cape Sable.

[3] The three British ships continued the chase for another 100 miles (160 km) before they finally were able to capture the brig.

She was the letter of marque Porcupine, of more than 300 tons, and was carrying a valuable cargo of brandy, wine, silks, dry goods and other merchandise from Bayonne to Boston.

Captain Robert Dudley Oliver of Valiant described Porcupine as being only eight months old and an uncommonly fast sailer.