Late in 1775, the General Assembly of Rhode Island ordered the construction of two galleys, Washington and Spitfire.

In January 1776, the General Assembly appointed John Grimes Commodore of the galleys and, presumably soon thereafter, they were placed in service in Narragansett Bay.

They cruised in defense of American shipping, acted as transports, and assisted landing parties seeking forage and supplies.

On 6 April 1778 her boats burned a stripped sloop that was under the protection of a fort at Bristol Ferry, Rhode Island.

Lieutenant Kempthorn then led a group of six boats from HMS Nonsuch, to seize control of Spitfire by surprise.