French frigate Diligente (1761)


Diligente was a 26-gun frigate of the French Navy. Originally built for the French East India Company, she was purchased by the Navy and took part in the War of American Independence.

Career

Diligente was built at Lorient as an East Indiaman for the French East India Company, and was completed in December 1756. She departed for her first journey on 31.
On 26 March 1761, she arrived in Brest, returning from her second journey to India. The next month, the Navy purchased her and commissioned her as a frigate.
In 1776, she was under Lieutenant Amblimont, part on the escadre d'évolution under Duchaffault.
In September 1778, she took part in the Invasion of Dominica, along with the frigates Tourterelle and Amphitrite, and the corvette French corvette Étourdie. She later took part in the French invasion of Saint Martin on 29 February 1779 under Du Chilleau.
On 25 September 1780, Diligente captured the British cutter HMS Alert off Gironde. The French brought her into service as Alerte.
She was at the Battle of Fort Royal on 29 April and 30 April 1781, under Mortemart.
In September, she ferried troops to support the Siege of Yorktown.

Fate

Diligente was wrecked at Cape Henry in January 1782.