Dictator was launched in 1783 and broken up in 1817, giving her a thirty-four-year lifespan. She spent much of her career in European and Mediterranean waters, with her largest battle the 1807 attack on Copenhagen. Earlier service included a late arrival at Trinidad and troop transport during the Egyptian campaign. After Copenhagen she fought in the Gunboat War, including Lyngør, and took part at Lake Borgne. She served in troopship form in Cochrane's fleet for the New Orleans campaign. Across the Inflexible class, ships could become troop transports, return to third-rate service, or serve as hospital ships. Their strong basic construction allowed several kinds of employment over a long life.
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Dictator shifts between battle line and troop transport
Dictator's career demonstrates how the sturdy hull of a 64 could alternate among fleet combat, troop carrying, and support for distant campaigns.