During the winter and spring of 1776, these galleys operated in Narragansett Bay, protecting the colony's shipping, carrying troops, and covering foraging parties seeking supplies.

The General Assembly voted and resolved that; two row-gallies be forthwith built and equipped at the expense of the colony, for its protection and defense; that they be of suitable bigness to carry sixty men, each; to row with fifteen oars on a side, and to mount one eighteen, pounder in the bow, and a number of swivel guns; and that they be built in such further and particular form, model and construction as shall be judged most fitting, by the committee hereafter named, for answering the design and purpose of their building.

In October following, Ambrose Page, Esq., was requested to procure the two row-gallies belonging to the colony, to be immediately completed fit for service; and that he draw out of the general treasury the sum of £100, lawful money, for the purpose aforesaid.

[1]In July, the galleys were sent to New York City to join the tiny flotilla George Washington was fitting out on the Hudson River and apparently came under Continental control.

On the afternoon of 3 August, Washington served as flagship for Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Tupper as that officer led an attack on the Royal Navy's warships Phoenix and Rose.