Egmont was part of the squadron commanded by Admiral John Gell on 14 April 1793[2] which escorted a Spanish ship, the St. Jago, they had captured from the French back to Portsmouth. The ownership of the Spanish ship was a matter of some debate and was not settled until 4 February 1795 when the value of the cargo was put at £935,000. At this time all the crew, captains, officers and admirals could expect a share of the prize money—Admiral Hood's share was £50,000. Besides Egmont, the ships that escorted her into Portsmouth were HMS St George, HMS Edgar, HMS Ganges and HMS Phaeton.[3]
Egmont suffered heavy damage in the Battle of Ushant in 1778. Her captain reported to Admiralty that the vessel received eleven cannonballs to the starboard side and two more through the mainmast. The mizzen mast had been shot through and fallen overboard and the foremast had shattered in its centre section.[4]
Egmont was part of the fleet under Lord Hood that occupied Toulon in August 1793. With HMS Courageux, Meleager, Tartar and Robust, she covered the landing, on 27 August, of 1500 troops sent to remove the republicans occupying the forts guarding the port.[5][6] Once the forts were secure, the remainder of Hood's fleet, accompanied by 17 Spanish ships-of-the-line which had just arrived, sailed into the harbour.[7]