In April 1809, a French squadron under Amable Troude, comprising three 74s and two armed-storeships, arrived at the Îles des Saintes. There they were blockaded until 14 April, when a British force under Major-General Frederick Maitland and Captain Philip Beaver in , invaded and captured the islands. "Latona" was among the naval vessels that shared in the proceeds of the capture of the islands. The French squadron was obliged to quit its position, after the British established a battery on the mountain overlooking the anchorage. Despite leaving under cover of darkness, Troude's ships were noticed by the 18-gun , which immediately alerted the rest of the blockading force. At 22:00, two hours later, two British vessels, of 74 guns and the 18-gun , came close enough to open fire on , the rearmost French ship. Soon after, joined the attack but none of the shots, all fired from distance, did any damage and the French began to draw away. Only "Recruit" stayed in touch, harrying her quarry throughout the night and following day until "Pompee" rejoined the action on the evening of the 15th and caused the three French 74s to scatter. "Pompee" continued her pursuit of "Hautpoult" and was joined by "Latona" and the 32-gun the next day. On 17 April, further British ships appeared and at 17:15 "Hautpoult" struck. The other two French 74s managed to escape to Cherbourg, having been chased by "Recruit" and "Neptune" when the squadron dispersed on 15 April.