She made one voyage from Liverpool as a slave ship in the triangular trade in enslaved people.

[3][a] The Peace of Amiens had just failed before Laurel returned from her voyage transporting enslaved people.

Captain Edward Oldham Bennet acquired a letter of marque on 25 May 1803 for the ship Laurel, of 117 tons (bm).

In June 1803 Lloyd's List reported that the "Laurel privateer" had taken and sent into Liverpool a ship of 300 tons (bm).

Lloyd's Register continued to carry Laurel into the volume for 1813, but with data unchanged since 1802.

French records show French frigate Didon capturing the British merchant or privateer brig Laurel on 13 October 1803, though the month may simply represent the month of commissioning.