She left Bristol on a voyage as a slave ship in the triangular trade in enslaved people.

[3][1] In 1804, 147 vessels sailed from British ports, bound on voyages to transport enslaved people.

[4] On 28 December Lloyd's List (LL) reported that Reliance, Gordon, master, had been lost in the Gambia River.

[6] In December 1807, Captain Gordon sued Reliance's insurers for lost commission and privileges due to her loss when he scuttled her by fire.

The court found for the plaintiff, Gordon, as the insurance policy expressly covered loss by fire.