In September of 1778, the Continental Navy frigate Raleigh was captured by the Royal Navy, leaving the North Carolina coast virtually unprotected from privateers.

Loyalist Capt. John Goodrich repeatedly went into Currituck Inlet and captured or set fire to any vessels he could find. On November 15th, he again sailed into Currituck Inlet and burned two vessels that were attempting to leave the inlet.

The cargo and cattle on board these two ships were destroyed before the local militia could sail out to their aid. Capt. Goodrich sailed out into the Atlantic with no impunity.