Jane was one of 10 mercantile vessels that the Navy purchased in 1804 and armed to supplement the 20 Confounder-class gunbrigs that it was having built.

[1] On 29 January 1805, a French flotilla consisting of 17 brigs, three schooners, four sloops, a dogger, and six luggers arrived at Boulogne from the west.

[3] Early on the morning of 24 April Gallant and Watchful sighted a flotilla of 27 vessels under Dutch colours coming around Cape Grisnez and approaching Boulogne from the east.

The two brigs engaged, giving the squadron under command of Captain Robert Honyman in Leda time to join the action.

[4] Captain Robert Honyman of Leda, led the rest of his squadron, consisting of Fury, Harpy, Railleur, Bruiser, Archer, Locust, Tickler, Monkey, and Firm, in chase.

Captain Edward Owen of Immortalité sent Calypso, Fleche, Arab, and the brigs Watchful, Sparkler, and Pincher in pursuit of 22 large schooners flying the Dutch flag.

The British managed to force three of the schooners to ground on the Banc de Laine near Cap Gris Nez; their crews ran two others ashore.

However, the bank off Cape Griz Nez, and the shot and shells from the right face of its powerful battery, soon compelled the British to move back from the shore.

[11] Watchful returned to England where she served as a tender on the Thames under the command of Lieutenant George Fox.