Although one source describes Hercules as a prize,[4] she sailed under British colours well before the outbreak of the War of 1812.

[1] 1st whaling voyage (1812–1814): Captain Simon Coleman sailed from London on 19 March 1812, bound for the South Seas.

British ships were then free to sail to India or the Indian Ocean under a licence from the EIC.

[6] Hercules's owners applied for a licence to sail to certain ports in the East Indies under the provisions for whalers.

[5] On 9 November 1816, Hercules, Bunker, master, was at the Cape of Good Hope, having come from Timor and Madagascar.