When the _Providence_ ran into Newport in October she had captured or destroyed fifteen prizes.
Jones's bold and skilful seamanship drew attention to him and he was now given command of the 24-gun ship _Alfred_, while Captain Hacker took charge of the _Providence_.

The two vessels started on a cruise in company and some days later the _Alfred_ fell in with three British vessels, and, after a brisk action, captured them all.

One proved to be a transport with 150 men and a large amount of supplies for Burgoyne's army, which was at that time organizing in Montreal for its notable campaign through New York, where it was captured by General Gates, at Saratoga.
This transport was so valuable that Jones, instead of putting a prize crew on board, determined to take her into port, and, if in danger of capture from pursuit, he meant to sink her.

It began snowing the following night and the _Providence_ and _Alfred_ were obliged to separate.
Jones was making for Boston when he was discovered by the frigate that he had outwitted two months before, when the _Providence_ narrowly escaped capture.

Night was closing in and the frigate being to windward, her outlines were indistinct.