] the Leopard was infamous both as a really rotten, broken-down old scow, and as a ship which figured prominently in some War of 1812 atrocity against the Americans.

The incident in question was an important step along the road to the (American) War of 1812. Of course, both the British and the Americans added their own particular "spin" to this tragic evetn. The "Chesapeake affair" (June 22, 1807), and its aftermath would however be outside the Jane Austen focus of this board. A search under that term should bring up lots of details.

I've added a link to a website listing sailing ships of the Royal Navy, under the letter "L".

I remain,
Jason E.