Saumarez moved to as temporary 5th lieutenant. He received his first command, the tender "Lady Parker". On promotion to lieutenant in 1778 he received his second command, the 8-gun galley . After forty-seven engagements, unfortunately he had to run "Spitfire" ashore and burn her on 30 July 1778 when a French fleet under Admiral d'Estaing arrived at Narrangansett Bay. Saumarez then served on land at the Battle of Rhode Island before returning to Portsmouth.