The Antelope, launched in Nantes in 1804 under an unspecified name, was a vessel of notable versatility and active service during the early 19th century. After her capture by the British and condemnation by the High Court of Admiralty on 1 June 1807, she entered British service and is recorded in Lloyd’s Register from 1807 with Le Pelley as master, owned by Lehou & Co., and engaged in trade between London and Madeira. Equipped with the intent of privateering—evidenced by Captain John Le Pelley’s acquisition of letters of marque in 1807 and 1810—Antelope was armed with a complement that included eight 18-pounder carronades and one long gun. Her crew size varied from around 18 to 50 men, reflecting her dual roles in privateering and merchant voyages. She was outfitted for extended voyages, sailing to destinations such as Madeira, the Pacific via Cape Horn, Rio de Janeiro, and the River Plate, often carrying dispatches or engaging in trade. In her Pacific operations, Antelope captured the Spanish vessel Nueva Castor in 1808, looting her cargo despite the presence of documents indicating an armistice between Spain and Britain. She sustained damage in engagements with Spanish warships during her Pacific and South American cruises. Her service included a voyage to Bengal in 1811 for the British East India Company, although she did not remain in India long-term. Antelope’s maritime career was marked by her capture in 1814 by the U.S. privateer Chasseur while sailing from Havana to Naples, with her armament and cargo of sugar indicating her merchant-privateer role. The Royal Navy recaptured her shortly thereafter, and she continued trading under various masters until around 1824, when she was probably broken up. Her varied service history and active involvement in privateering and merchant trade exemplify the tumultuous maritime operations of the Napoleonic and War of 1812 periods.

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