They sold their furs in China and returned to England with cargoes that they were carrying back for the British East India Company (EIC).

In September 1785 Portlock, in King George, and Dixon, in the smaller Queen Charlotte, sailed from England.

After two years of plying the waters, Portlock and Dixon departed North America, reaching Macao in November 1787.

While King George and Queen Charlotte were in China, the EIC chartered them to take cargoes back to England.

Queen Charlotte then reached St Helena on 18 June and arrived at The Downs on 18 September.