Providence

The Providence was a British trading vessel that operated during the 18th century and was captained by Samuel Smythe.

History[edit | edit source]

The ship was constructed in 1748 and made several trips between Britain and the North American colonies. She also made infrequent visits to the West Indies and carried goods such as tea, molasses and cloth. Aside from this, the Providence was also equipped with cannons which were mainly used as protection against pirates.^[1]

One of the ship's owners was Reginald Birch, the Grand Master of the British Rite of the Templar Order, who in 1754 secured Haytham Kenway's passage on the Providence during its trip from London to Boston.^[2] During the voyage, the Providence was attacked by the Assassin ship Aquila, which had been led to her by Louis Mills, an Assassin agent on board the Providence ordered to kill Haytham.^[3]

The Providence managed to escape by sailing through a storm, but it cost her the main sail, which was hit by lightning. In the meantime, the Aquila faked its destruction by pretending to have been wrecked by the storm in the pursuit. Despite these difficulties, the Providence managed to arrive in Boston safely.^[3]

Crew[edit | edit source]

The crew of the Providence, and her Captain, were in good order. Although Captain Smythe was known for penny-pinching, rationing and being cruel, he did not compare to other Royal Navy captains.^[3]

The crew was generally content and hard-working, and well trained, as said by the Helmsman. Although Haytham could hear grumbling below-decks about the Captain, mutiny was non-existent.^[3]

Trivia[edit | edit source]

As per Ubisoft's way of playing with the times, this ship is not typical of the era, as it is extremely large and lavish for a trading vessel.
The Providence appears to have three decks, much like the larger warships of the time, though Haytham can only access the open upper deck and the deck immediately below it.