"New Insights Into the Battle of Prudence Island.”

Portsmouth 250th Lecture Series Kickoff

The Portsmouth 250th Commission launches its 2026 lecture series with this talk on:
"New Insights Into the Battle of Prudence Island.”
Though far smaller than the Battle of Rhode Island fought two years later, the January 12–13,
1776 engagement on Prudence Island offers a powerful early example of American resistance
and resolve. When a British raiding party struck the island, the swift response of the Second
Company of Portsmouth—joined by reinforcements—demonstrated the determination of local
patriots at a critical moment in the opening months of the Revolution.
Presenter Laurie McDonough Greaney, Regent of the Battle of Rhode Island Chapter of the
Daughters of the American Revolution, will explore this little-known action using British ship
logs, first hand accounts recorded in Deacon Ezra Stile's diary, pension records, and new
research highlighting the role of enslaved men who participated in the fight.
Greaney’s interest in local history began during her first summer after college, when she
interned at the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission. An avid genealogist, she later
earned two master’s degrees and taught science for more than 25 years. After purchasing a
home on Prudence Island, she discovered she is descended from one of the island’s 17th-
century settlers—sparking in-depth research into the men who fought in the Battle of Prudence
Island.
In fall 2024, Greaney organized the Battle of Rhode Island Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution, now nearly 60 members strong. The chapter is dedicated to education,
historic preservation, and patriotism, honoring the men and women who fought for
independence in this region—and commemorating the only battle of the American Revolution
fought in Rhode Island.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Registration is available through the Portsmouth
Free Public Library and space is limited:
https://portsmouthlibrary.org/adult/events/10186/new-insights-battle-prudence-island-laurie-
greaney