By February 1779 "Seahorse" seems to have been under the command of Alexander M’Coy. Captain Robert Montagu took over command in March 1781, and under him "Seahorse" was present at the battles of Sadras on 17 February 1782, Providien on 12 April, Negapatam on 6 July, Trincomalee on 3 September, and Cuddalore on 20 June 1783. Charles Hughes took command in 1783, followed by John Drew in 1784.