[1] Following the resumption of war with France in early 1803, concern developed in Britain about Napoleon's planned invasion of the United Kingdom.

The British East India Company in November voted to underwrite 10,000 tons (bm) of armed transports to protect Great Britain's coasts.

The vessels were: Albion, Anacreon, Atlas, Aurora, Chapman, Diadem, Duckenfield, Helder, Indefatigable, Lord Forbes, Lord Nelson, Norfolk, Paragon, Perseus, Robert, Sir Alexander Mitchell, Suffolk, and Triton.

[2] On 23 December, Robert, Ayleward, got on shore on the Brake sand near Deal and sustained damage.

On 27 January 1809, Robert, Black, master, sailing for Jamaica, had to put back into the Clyde, having sustained damage.