HMS Loyalist was the sloop Restoration, which the Royal Navy purchased in North America in 1779. She had a burthen of 320 tons and was armed with 14 guns. In May 1781 her captain was Morgan Laugharne. In 1780 Admiral Arbuthnot placed John Plumer Ardesoife in command of Loyalist. He immediately proceeded to terrorize the inhabitants of the Sea Islands, arousing opposition to the British. Around this time Loyalist took the sloop George, of 25 tons burthen, William Stein master. George was condemned at the vice admiralty court in Savannah on 23 August 1780. While under Ardesoife's command she also took some prizes at George Town.