Capt. Michael Quinn had been in the 10th North Carolina Regiment in 1776 and had retired in June of 1778. He was recalled for duty for the South Carolina campaign in 1779 but decided to join the British cause and fought for the King. In June of 1781, he was made commander of the row galley General Arnold.

The General Arnold had been burning ships in the Chowan River, but when it entered the Edenton harbor it ran aground. Capt. Quinn was unable to free the vessel and the local militia captured him and the vessel.

Hardy Murfree described Quinn as "the traitor Michael Quinn, who I hope will get what he deserves." While he was in captivity, Michael Quinn was murdered by the guards "by order of Colo. William Linton." No punishment was given to the guard and instead the governor pardoned him.