HMS Nova Scotia was originally a privateer vessel named Rapid, built and operating out of Portland, Maine. Captured by the British on October 17, 1812, during a chase on Saint George's Bank, Rapid was armed with 14 cannons—twelve carronades and two long 6-pounder guns—and had a crew of 84 men. During her career as a privateer, Rapid captured several vessels, including the notable Experience, valued at approximately US$250,000, along with other brigs and a barque named St. Andrews. She also captured and burned the British privateer Searcher. Rapid’s crew had thrown eight cannons overboard during her capture to lighten her, indicating her active engagement and the intensity of her pursuits. Following her capture, the Royal Navy commissioned her as HMS Nova Scotia in November 1812 at Halifax, under Lieutenant Bartholomew Kent. She was subsequently fitted at Plymouth between July and September 1813, during which she was renamed HMS Ferret. Under Commander William Ramsden, she was recommissioned in mid-1813. Her service included participation in notable actions such as the capture of several French vessels near Brest in July 1815, where she was part of a squadron that successfully prevented a French brig from escaping and cost her a single crewman. In August 1815, Ferret was involved in transporting Napoleon Bonaparte into exile at Saint Helena. Her engagement with the Spanish brigantine Dolores in 1815 was particularly significant; despite being heavily outgunned, Ferret engaged in a three-hour battle, resulting in her taking the vessel, which was carrying 275 slaves, to Sierra Leone for condemnation—an act illustrating her multifaceted role in naval operations of the period. Ferret was placed in ordinary at Plymouth in June 1816 but was fitted for service again in 1817 under Lieutenant William Pitman. She remained in service until she was sold in January 1820 for £460. HMS Nova Scotia, later HMS Ferret, exemplifies the versatile and active service of Royal Navy vessels during the Napoleonic Wars and their aftermath, serving in combat, anti-slavery operations, and exiling the fallen emperor.

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