HMS Grace was a Thames sailing barge acquired by the British Royal Navy in 1794 as part of an effort to enhance inshore and riverine operational capabilities during the early stages of the French Revolutionary Wars. Constructed as a sailing vessel, she was one of eleven barges purchased for naval service to address the shortage of suitable vessels for coastal work. The vessel measured approximately 69 tons (bm), reflecting its modest size suited for inshore navigation. The ship was commissioned in October 1796 by Mr. G. Garnault, with subsequent command transfers to Mr. W. Goodall and later to Mr. Edward Dawson in June 1798. Her service appears to have been relatively short-lived, and she was primarily used in support roles close to the coast and inland waters. A notable incident involving HMS Grace occurred in July 1798 at Sheerness, when her commanding officer, Edward Dawson, was involved in a violent altercation. During a social gathering aboard another barge, New Betsey, Dawson engaged in a dispute that culminated in him stabbing and killing John Matthew Miller, master of New Betsey. Dawson was subsequently tried for murder at Maidstone on 25 July 1798, found guilty, and hanged on Penenden Heath two days later. Following this incident, the Admiralty decided to dispose of HMS Grace. On 24 October 1798, the vessel was offered for sale by the Principal Officers and Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy. She was sold then, marking the end of her brief and eventful service with the Royal Navy. Her history underscores the challenges faced by the navy in expanding and maintaining effective inshore vessels during wartime and highlights the sometimes turbulent human stories intertwined with maritime service.

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