HMS Squirrel was originally constructed in Woolwich Dockyard and launched on 23 October 1755, and mounted 20 guns, all on the upper deck. After serving during the French and Indian War, she was used to enforce customs laws in New England prior to the American Revolution. In 1764 while in Newport, Rhode Island Squirrel came to the assistance of HMS St John, which was attacked by American colonists on Goat Island (Rhode Island). Squirrel was in active service until she was sold on 16 January 1783.