Show captured the bahamas in 1776 during the war between great britain and the american col onies a fleet of eight vessels was sent by the latter to nassau capital of the bahamas with instructions to capture the large quantities of munitions believed to be stored there this force under admiral hopkins of the american colonies landed a detachment on the eastern extremity of new providence island and marched on nassau forts montague and nassau surrendered to them without resistance and the new grand union flag consisting of the union jack in the first quarter and 13 red and white stripes to represent the independent states was hoisted over fort nassau the invaders took guns and a small quantity of other war munitions they left the next day |