Pigot took command of HMS Hermione on 10 February 1797, making a habit of giving preferential treatment to members of the crew who had previously served under him. The ship was sent to patrol the Mona Passage between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Pigot destroyed three privateers at Puerto Rico on 22 March 1797. In April Pigot aboard Hermione, and acting in company with HMS Mermaid, HMS Drake, HMS Penelope and HMS Quebec succeeded in cutting out nine merchants at the Battle of Jean-Rabel under fire from enemy batteries, and without losing a single man. In an incident in May 1797 the Hermione narrowly escaped being wrecked thanks to the efforts of one of her lieutenants, Harris, but a ship sailing in company with the Hermione went aground. Pigot blamed Harris however and insisted upon an inquiry. Though Harris was exonerated, he immediately left the ship to serve on another. Pigot had by now developed a reputation for excessive brutality. On 6 September 1797 and in company with HMS Diligence and HMS Renommee she captured a 6-gun Spanish privateer.
Read more about this topic: Hugh Pigot (Royal Navy Captain)