In the midst of increased tariffs and enforcement of the Navigation Acts, an angry group of merchants, plantation owners, and residents of Providence, Rhode Island slipped out under the cover of darkness on June 10, 1772, and boarded HMS Gaspee. After a short battle, the Rhode Islanders burned the British vessel, and shot and wounded its commander, Lt. William Duddingston. The Gaspee Affair, as it came to be known, was the result of increased tensions between colonists and the British government.

My guest for this episode is Michael Troy, of American Revolution Podcast.

Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs is written, edited, and produced by Rich Napolitano.

Original theme music by Sean Sigfried.

For images and sources, please visit https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.com/the-burning-of-hms-gaspee/

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