Large numbers of British troops had come to the colonies to fight in the war and many were remaining there. One of the initial acts of rebellion came from the smallest colony, Rhode Island and Providence Plantation, as it was called back then. The production of rum made from molasses which was imported from the sugar plantations of the South was a mainstay business in Rhode Island. Gaspee, was charged with enforcing the Navigation Acts and was patrolling off the Rhode Island coast. Rhode Island had metaphorically stomped on King George III’s toes and kicked him in the shins and had gotten away with it.