War between the United Kingdom and the United States having broken out, Captain Ninian Dalmahoy acquired a letter of marque against the United States for "Rachel", of Greenock. It is not clear when he assumed command of her. On 27 October 1812 "Rachel", Dalmahoy, master, was in the Bay of Biscay, bound to La Guaira. Dalmahoy died on the voyage and as she arrived at La Guaira her first mate, named Alexander, was captain.