Vengeur was originally built as an East Indiaman by the French company of the Indies. Her plans, however, followed military specification, as she was suppoesd to be able to integrate a naval squadron if necessary. She cruised as a merchantman from 1757 to 1765, when she was sold to the Navy. After a refit in Brest, she was brought into service under Captain Jean Christy de La Pallière. She took part in all the battles of the American War of Independence in Suffren's fleet.