Not much is known till so far about the frigate PRINCESA, (or LA PRINCESA) the name is used by Spain for more ships in the same time frame, she was a Spanish frigate, I know that she was used by Francisco Antonio Maurelle on his voyage from Manila to San Blas, Mexico in 1780-1781.
Maurelle (or Mourelle) was born at San Adrian de Corme, Galicia, northwestern Spain in 1754.
November 1768 began his naval career as an apprentice pilot.
He sailed out on a number of expeditions from 1770. Appointed ensign in 1776, rising in rank to frigate lieutenant in 1787.
1775 While serving on the west coast of Mexico he was appointed pilot of the schooner SENORA, which was under command of Bodega Y Quadra.
16 March 1775 they sailed from San Blas bound for Spain, exploring the coast of Alta California and via the island of Socorro sailed north to the Alexander Archipelago and so far north as 62º. Arrived in Spain on 03 November.
1780 He went to Manila with a contingent of mariners, there he was appointed commander of the PRINCESA, also under her alias known of NUESTRA SENORA DEL ROSARIO.
24 August 1780 he sailed from Manila to Sisiran on the east coast of Luzon, where he received orders to proceed to Mexico.
21 November 1780 weighed anchor and set sail, not by the more usual northerly route, but he decided to sail the southerly route due to more favorable weather. During this voyage he made some new discoveries.
08 January 1781 he discovered the Hermit Island on the 13th Tench Island in the Bismarck Group.
26 February discovered Fonualei in de Tongan archipelago. He landed on 21 April on the Vavau group. 21 April discovered Toku Island, Tonga, and on 3 and 6 May, Nanumanga and Nanumea in the Tuvalu islands.
Then he steered eastward and then north and northwestward bound for Guam, for fresh provision and fresh water.
21 September 1781 the PRINCESA arrived at San Blas.
The fate of the PRINCESA is not known I believe.
Maurelle thereafter made a successful career in the Spanish navy, taking part in some battles against the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic wars.
1818 Was promoted to Admiral and given the Grand Cross of the Order of San Hermenegildo in 1819.
24 May 1820 he died at Cadiz.
Solomon Islands 1981 45c sg436
Spain 1967 1p20 sg1880 (see index Princesa and San Carlos)
Tonga 1981 9s sg793, 47s/1p sg 795/6, 1985 1p50 sg 899
Source: some web-sites. Who is who in Pacific Navigation by John Dunmore.