Surprize was a three-deck merchant vessel launched in 1780 that made five voyages as a packet ship under charter to the British East India Company (EIC).

Under the command of Captain David Asquith, Surprize left Bengal on 22 April 1783 and reached the River Shannon on 11 September.

Camden, Calvert & King were contracted to transport, clothe and feed convicts for a flat fee of £17 7s.

Her master was Nicholas Anstis, formerly chief mate on Lady Penrhyn in the First Fleet, and surgeon was William Waters.

In rough seas and heavy gales the convicts "were considerably above their waists in water", according to the commander of the guards.

She arrived at the Cape of Good Hope on 13 April 1790, and spent sixteen days there, taking on provisions.

Contrary winds blew her out to sea again and she did not make port until 26 June 158 days after having left England.

From Port Jackson Surprize first sailed to Norfolk Island, arriving there on 28 August in company with Justinian.

Among the privates were six men who were deserters from other British regiments and who chose the Corps over remaining in gaol; one was a mutineer from Quebec.

[13] Surprize sailed with a convoy of East Indiamen and under the escort of HMS Suffolk, Captain Peter Rainier.

Campbell put the men in chains, together with his first officer, Mr. Macpherson, whom Cambell suspected of knowing of the mutiny.

[4] Lloyd's List further reported that the French frigate Forte had captured Surprize, Osterley, and a number of other East Indiamen in the Bay of Bengal.