She made a voyage to Botany Bay for the British East India Company (EIC), and then on her way to China discovered or rediscovered several Pacific Islands.

On 11 September 1794 Young William, with James Mortlock, master, started taking on stores at Deptford on the account of the Government of New South Wales.

On 14 November a flotilla of war canoe approached Young William, clearly intending to board.

[4] Homeward bound, she crossed the Second Bar on 9 February 1796, reached St Helena on 6 May, and arrived at The Downs on 3 August.

[5] On 2 August the British Royal Navy intercepted her at St. Catherine's Point and pressed most of her crew.

[4] Young William entered Lloyd's Register (LR) in 1797 with W. Walker, master, W. Leighton, owner and trade London transport.

[3] 1st voyage transporting enslaved people (1799–1800): On 1 July 1799, Young William, Joseph Carshore (or Carshaw), master, sailed from Liverpool to the Bight of Biafra and Gulf of Guinea islands.

[9] Young William embarked captives at Bonny and carried them to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Robert Bennett, master, sailed Young William from Liverpool on 31 November 1801, to the Bight of Biafra and Gulf of Guinea islands.

[11] One report from late September 1802, stated that Young William, Carrol, master, from Jamaica to Liverpool, was on shore at Holyhead.