HMS Bustler was originally the mercantile vessel named Shillelagh, purchased by the British Admiralty in January 1782. Following her acquisition, she underwent fitting at Plymouth from February to June of that year. During her naval service, she was commissioned by Commander Samuel Cox in March 1782 for operations in the Channel, although she was paid off by August. Subsequently, she was coppered and converted into a brig between July and December 1782. In November 1782, Commander Robert Burton commissioned her for service in the Irish Sea, based out of Holyhead on Anglesey. Bustler served in this capacity until she was paid off in May 1786. The Admiralty sold her at Deptford on 25 August 1788 for £240. The details of her activities between 1788 and 1793 remain unclear, including her name during this period and her ownership or trading pursuits. In 1793, Bustler re-emerged as a privateer under the command of Captain Henry Passmore, who acquired a letter of marque on 4 March 1793. As a privateer, she achieved a notable success by capturing the vessel Necker in September 1793, which she sent into Dartmouth; the prize, Neckar, arrived at Gravesend on 21 October 1793, with prize money paid in March 1794. Later, Captain Stephen Thomas acquired a new letter of marque on 8 March 1794, with the crew numbering around 20 men, indicating a possible reduction in her privateering activity. In April 1794, Captain Thomas sailed Bustler for San Domingo. However, by July 1795, Lloyd’s List reported that French privateers had captured Bustler, of London, along with several other merchant vessels, and taken them into Aux Cayes. Her service history reflects her transition from a naval vessel to a privateer and merchantman, ultimately meeting her capture in the context of the naval conflicts during the late 18th century.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.