1st EIC voyage (1803–1804): Captain John Dobrée sailed from the Downs on 7 February 1803, bound for St Helena, Bengal, and Bencoolen. "Carmarthen" reached St Helena on 24 April and arrived at Calcutta on 26 August. In March war with France had broke out; Captain Dobrée received a letter of marque on 1 July. Homeward bound, she was at Saugor on 24 November. She stopped at Bencoolen on 1 February 1804 and reached St Helena on 6 June. At St Helena "Carmarthen" joined the EIC's returning China Fleet, fresh from its success at the battle of Pulo Aura where the Indiamen had bluffed a French naval squadron into retreat. escorted the convoy to England. "Carmarthen" arrived at Long Reach on 13 August.