May 15, 1776

John Brown was a prominent merchant in Providence, Rhode Island, and this article describes the capture of one of his sloops in mid-April. The ship had a 53-ton cargo of “sugar, molasses, cocoa, &c.” The dry goods were unloaded at New London, Connecticut, but as the ship sailed on to Providence, it was captured by a British tender and redirected to Halifax. However, “meeting with contrary winds,” the ship was forced into Frenchman Bay, in the part of Massachusetts which later became Maine. Brown’s ship was recaptured by American forces, and a number of British sailors were brought to Watertown, Massachusetts, as prisoners. 

The Pennsylvania Gazette
Printed by Hall and Sellers

WATERTOWN, May 6.

On the 15th ult. a sloop of about 53 tons burthen, laden with sugar, molasses, cocoa, &c. was retaken by a number of boats in Frenchman’s-bay, and safely taken care of. She belonged to Mr. John Brown, of Providence, and was commanded by Captain Tredwell, who had been at New-London, and unladed her dry goods, but in going to Providence was taken by the Rose’s tender, who sent her for Halifax; but meeting with contrary winds put into Frenchman’s-bay, where she was taken. One Fisher, a midshipman of the Rose, as prize master, with 3 or 4 sailors and 2 marines, were brought prisoners to this town on Saturday last.