On April 10th 1795, a British fleet under Rear Admiral John Colpoys was cruising off Brest, when three sail were seen. The fleet scattered in chase, and the Astrea, 32, Captain Lord Henry Paulet, outsailing the ships of the line, came up with one of the three, the French Gloire, 36, Capt Beens.
The action between the two opened at 6 pm. At 10.30 the Astrea closed her adversary, and after an hour's fight made her strike her flag. The Astrea's maintop mast went overboard just after the close of the action, and her other topmasts were so wounded they had to be removed.
The Gloire was purchased for the Navy, but did not long remain in service.