In March 1791, Commander Robert Faulknor commissioned "Pluto". She was paid off in September. She then underwent refitting between November 1792 and February 1793. She was fitted as a sloop, but not rated as such. Commander James N. Morris commissioned "Pluto" in November 1792. He sailed for Newfoundland on 16 May 1793, after the commencement of war with France.