Quote
At this assizes, an action having been brought against the Gunner at Cowes Castle, for firing a nine pounder at Capt. Footner’s vessel, at the entrance of Cowes Harbour, in order to sink her, for not complying with the Gunner’s demand of 4d. for an anchorage; it being clearly the opinion of the Judge and Jury that the Gunner had no right to enforce a demand with cannon, loaded with ball, levelled at the ship, a verdict was given for the plaintiff, with 10l. damages.
— Hampshire Chronicle, Monday 08 March 1773 source
The following two references bookend the assizes nicely, giving us a possible name for the vessel:
Quote
PORTSMOUTH, Sept 10.
Since my last arriv’d at this port, the Dick and Richard, Woolver, from Penzance; London, Johnson, Lymington, Footner
— Hampshire Chronicle, Monday 14 September 1772 source
Quote
SHIP NEWS
PORTSMOUTH, July 22, Arrived the Lymington, Wm. Footner;
— Hampshire Chronicle, Monday 26 July 1773 source
Ancestry has a WIlliam Footner, born 1730, Lymington.
Todo
A little more digging and I might be able to find the Lymington putting in to Cowes in the six months before March 1773.
Best video I could find.