HMS Tobago was a schooner of uncertain origin that the British Royal Navy purchased in 1805. The ship's specifications, including its size and armament, are not detailed in the available sources. Upon acquisition, she was commanded by Lieutenant Donald Campbell, who was appointed on 20 February 1805. Under his command, Tobago participated in a successful attack alongside the vessel Curieux against two merchantmen near Barcelona, on the coast of Caraccas. Campbell left the ship in July 1805, and Lieutenant John Salomon (acting) took command later that year. During this period, Tobago was primarily engaged in patrolling and exchanging prisoners of war, operating between Grenada, Barbados, and Guadeloupe. On 6 August 1806, Tobago was in company with the vessels Jason, Hart, and Maria when they captured the vessel Hercules. Her most notable engagement occurred on 18 October 1806, off Dominica, when she was intercepted by a French squadron. Tobago, then replenishing water supplies, was approached by a brig, a schooner, and a sloop. Despite attempts to evade, Tobago was engaged in combat with the French privateer Général Ernouf, a 16-gun brig commanded by the notable privateer Alexis Grassin. During the fierce engagement, Tobago repelled boarding attempts but was ultimately overwhelmed after losing one man killed and 15 wounded, including her commander Salmon, who was shot in the head. Sub-Lieutenant Gould assumed command and continued the fight until Tobago was forced to surrender, with her captor being the French privateer Général Ernouf. In 1809, the Royal Navy recaptured her from the French and renamed her HMS Vengeur. She was in company with the vessel Grand Napoleon when the British ship Beagle captured Vengeur on 24 January 1809 in the English Channel. At that time, Vengeur was armed with 16 guns and had a crew of 48 men. She did not surrender until Beagle came alongside, and her captain, M. Bourgnie, was wounded during the engagement. Although she was briefly taken into Royal Navy service as HMS Vengeur, she was sold later that year. The vessel's service history highlights her active involvement in the naval conflicts of the early 19th century, including engagements with privateers and participation in maritime patrols and prisoner exchanges.

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