HMS Supply (1793) was originally an American merchant vessel named New Brunswick, acquired by the British Royal Navy in October 1793 as a replacement for an earlier vessel also named Supply. The ship was commissioned into Royal Navy service in April 1794 under the command of Lieutenant William Kent. Although specific physical specifications such as tonnage, length, or armament are not detailed, the vessel served primarily as an armed support ship for the colony at Port Jackson (Sydney). In its service, HMS Supply participated in notable wartime activities, such as sharing in the proceeds from the detention of Dutch naval vessels, East Indiamen, and other merchant ships in Plymouth on 20 January 1795, following the outbreak of war between Britain and the Netherlands. In February 1795, Supply sailed to Australia alongside HMS Reliance, serving as an armed vessel supporting the needs of the colony. Her duties included at least one voyage to Norfolk Island, where she transferred prisoners from New South Wales. Supply’s role extended to logistical support; in late 1796, she sailed to the Cape of Good Hope to gather supplies for the colony and later returned to Sydney in May 1797, carrying essential stores ordered by Governor John Hunter as well as merino sheep for John Macarthur, a notable figure in Australian colonial history. By October 1800, Lieutenant William Kent had left Port Jackson to command HMS Buffalo, and Lieutenant James Grant was scheduled to take command of Supply aboard HMS Lady Nelson. However, upon arrival in December 1800, Grant found that Supply had been laid up as a hulk and was condemned. The vessel was ultimately broken up in 1806, marking the end of her maritime service. HMS Supply’s service history highlights her role in supporting early Australian colonial settlements, logistical operations, and wartime activities during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

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