HMS Barrosa was a 38-gun frigate launched in 1812 for the Royal Navy, with a displacement of approximately 947 tons. Constructed during the Napoleonic Wars, she was commissioned by Captain William Henry Shirreff on 25 October 1812. Her primary role during the War of 1812 involved patrolling, escorting convoys, and capturing enemy vessels. In early 1813, she sailed to North America, serving as an escort for a convoy headed to the West Indies and Brazil. Throughout her service, HMS Barrosa was actively engaged in capturing several American and allied vessels. Notably, she captured the schooner William and Thomas on 22 May 1813, keeping her as a tender. She also participated in the capture of merchant vessels, including the American schooner Surveyor, which was carrying a significant cargo of flour, and the whale-ship Georgiana, captured in the West Indies on 28 November 1813. Georgiana, armed with 16 guns and a crew of 41, was transporting a cargo valued at around $100,000 and was involved in the larger conflict with American privateers and whalers. Barrosa's service also included supporting operations along the James River and escorting convoys across the Atlantic and to the West Indies. Her engagements resulted in multiple captures, including schooners such as Engineer, Friends, Clio, High Flyer, and Gallant Hull, between late 1814. Captain Shirreff was invalided home in July 1814, followed by a series of commanding officers, including Captain John Maxwell and Captain William McCulloch. After the end of her active naval service, HMS Barrosa was repurposed as a harbour and receiving ship from 1823 to 1833, serving as an ordnance depot. She was eventually sold in 1841 to private purchaser John Beatson for £1,426. Her career reflects the typical multifaceted use of Royal Navy frigates during the early 19th century, transitioning from active combat to auxiliary roles before eventual decommissioning and sale.

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