"Prince of Wales" had been launched in 1793 for the HBC, and first appeared in "Lloyd's Register" ("LR") with H.Hanwell, master, Hudson's Bay Company, owner, and trade London–Hudson Bay. War with France had just begun and Captain Henry Hanwell acquired a letter of marque on 8 April 1793. Hanwell sailed for Hudson Bay at the end of May, sailing via Stromness. She then sailed between York Factory or Moose Factory and London.