He was questioned by Haytham Kenway regarding rumors of an upcoming mutiny against the captain of the Providence, Samuel Smythe. A few days later, while the Providence was sailing through a storm, James and Haytham were tasked with loosening the sails; while James made to loosen the sail on the main mast, it was hit by lightning, leaving him hanging by a rope. Haytham quickly made his way over to James, and brought him to safety on a platform.