How did Commodore John Manly help the Continental Army obtain ammunition?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Seal of the U.S. Department of the Navy — United States Navy The seal of the United States Department of the Navy.

Commodore John Manly played a critical role in supplying the Continental Army during the American Revolution. When George Washington assumed command in 1775, his troops faced a severe shortage of ammunition.

To address this, Washington organized a small, rudimentary navy to intercept British supply ships. Commodore Manly directed this force and commanded its most successful vessel. During one engagement, he captured a British ship carrying a quantity of munitions equivalent to the total manufacturing capacity of the American colonies for approximately 18 months, providing a vital boost to the revolutionary war effort.1