HMS Hermes was the Dutch cutter Mercuur, that the Amsterdam Admiralty purchased in 1781 or 1782. (Mercuur was a brig when captured.) captured her off the Texel on 12 May 1796 after a chase during which Mercuur threw all but two of her guns overboard.
The British Royal Navy commissioned her in July 1796 under Commander William Mulso, for the North Sea.
Hermes disappeared during a gale on 31 January 1797. She was presumed to have foundered with all hands.