The French brig Griffon, launched in 1806 as a Pallinure-class vessel, was a 16-gun, 120-man brig built for the French Navy. She was constructed at Rochefort and initially operated along the French coast, including service in the Bay of Aiguillon and the roads of Ile d'Aix. In early 1808, Griffon was tasked with transporting troops from Rochefort to Martinique, during which she encountered British frigates, possibly including the Acasta, and was in company with other French brigs Palinure and Pilade. On 17 March 1808, Griffon took refuge at Marin, Martinique, after a confrontation with British forces. Despite an unsuccessful attempt by British boats to capture her at Marin on 27 March, Griffon successfully continued her voyage. Her most notable engagement occurred on 11 May 1808, when HMS Bacchante pursued and fought Griffon off Cape Antonio; after a nearly seven-hour chase and a half-hour battle, Griffon surrendered when trapped near the breakers with Bacchante close by. At the time, she was armed with 16 guns and had a crew of 120 men. Following her capture, Griffon was commissioned into the Royal Navy at Jamaica as a 16-gun brig under Lieutenant Henry Spark Jones, later replaced by Lieutenant Allen or Parry. She participated in the blockade of Santo Domingo and was present at its surrender in July 1809. Griffon returned to Britain, arriving at Sheerness in October 1809, and underwent fitting at Chatham. She served in various operations, including intercepting French flotillas near Dieppe in 1812, during which she participated in the capture of three French brigs. Throughout her naval career, Griffon experienced notable incidents, including a court martial of her first lieutenant, Richard Steward Gamage, who was executed for murder in 1812. She also faced disciplinary issues with her commander William Wright, who was dismissed for smuggling but later reinstated. In 1819, the Navy sold Griffon to Hills & Co. for £1,700. She then served as a London-based whaler and continued in commercial service, making her last whaling voyage in 1850. Her long service life highlights her transition from a French naval vessel to a merchant and whaling ship, reflecting the maritime practices of the early 19th 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.