William (1797 ship)

For other ships with the same name, see William (ship).

History
Great Britain
NameRebecca
Launched1788, Spain
Acquired1797 by purchase of a prize
Captured1805
NotesFir plank
General characteristics
Tons burthen162, or 173[1] (bm)
Complement
  • 1798: 20
  • 1800: 20
  • 1804: 25
  • 1805: 30
Armament
  • 1798: 2 × 6-pounder guns + 14 × 12-pounder carronades
  • 1798: 10 × 12-pounder cannons
  • 1800: 16 × 6&12-pounder cannons
  • 1804: 14 × 6&12-pounder cannons
  • 1805: 14 × 6&12-pounder cannons

William was launched in Spain in 1788, almost certainly under another name. She was taken in prize in 1797. William sailed as a West Indiaman until 1800 when new owners started to sail her as a slave ship in the triangular trade in enslaved people. She made four complete voyages as a slave ship. A report of her fourth voyage provides insight into the decision making over the planning of the voyage. Spanish privateers captured her in 1805 on her fifth slave voyage.

  1. ^ "Letter of Marque, p.92 – Retrieved 25 July 2017" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 October 2016. Retrieved 27 October 2018.