History of Grayhound 1776

Grayhound 1776 - Revenue Cutter & Privateer

The lugger Grayhound was built by the celebrated builder of fast coastal craft - John Parkin.  He build cutters and luggers for both the revenue authorities and for the smugglers. It seems likely that the original Grayhound was built in Cawsand in Cornwall.  She seems to have been built to the order of John Knill, Collector of Customs in St Ives. He hired her to act as an anti smuggling customs vessel.

Her terms of duty as a revenue cruiser was quite short due to the Declaration of Independance by our North American colonists. The ensuing war with America and France, gave attractive opportunities for privateers.  John Krill bought the vessel out of customs service and had her fitted out as a privateer. In 1778 she recieved her letters of marque allowing her to take enemy ships as prizes for profit.

She carried 14 carrige guns, 3 pounders and 8 swivel guns.  Under the command of Richard John she was manned by a crew of 47 !