Two Continental frigates, the Boston and the Confederacy, were operating off the South Carolina coast during the month of May in 1779. On May 16th, they captured the Patsey, commanded by Capt. Papley and escorted her into Charleston Harbor. The Patsey was bound from St. Christophers to New York with a load of rum.

The next day, the Continentals captured the sloop William out of Tortola, commanded by Capt. Ashburn. It too was bound for New York with a load of rum.