Earl Fitzwilliam (1786 EIC ship)

The Earl Fitzwilliam was an East Indiaman launched in 1786 for the British East India Company (EIC). She performed six voyages for the company between 1787 and 1802, primarily traveling to Bengal and China.

Her maiden voyage commenced in 1787 under the command of Captain John Wordsworth, sailing to Madras and Bengal. Subsequent voyages followed a similar pattern, frequently involving calls at various Indian ports before continuing to China. The ship was known for carrying a diverse cargo, including textiles, spices, and personnel for the EIC's operations in India. On homeward journeys, she transported goods such as tea, silk, and porcelain back to Britain.

During the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the Earl Fitzwilliam sailed under license as a letter of marque, authorizing her to engage in offensive action against enemy vessels if the opportunity arose. While there are no records of the Earl Fitzwilliam being directly involved in significant naval engagements, the possession of a letter of marque was standard practice for EIC ships during this period, allowing them a degree of self-defense against privateers and enemy warships.

The Earl Fitzwilliam completed her final voyage for the EIC in 1802. Her subsequent fate is currently unknown, although many ships of similar age were either sold for scrap or repurposed for other maritime activities. Further research is needed to ascertain the vessel's later history.