In June 1777 the Rhode Island General Assembly took steps to expand the all but defunct Rhode Island Navy. Among the vessels that the General Assembly directed the Rhode Island Council of War to purchase were three trading vessels for the state’s use. One of these was the Rhode Island Navy Ship Aurora.1
On 19 December the Rhode Island General Assembly directed Jabez Bowen and John Updike to examine the furnishings of the ship Aurora, owned by the state. If there was any spare equipment it was to be used to help fit out the Rhode Island Navy Trading Sloop Diamond, the surplus being delivered to Pardon Gray. If necessary, rigging was to be purchased to fit out the Diamond.2
