Samuel Smith associated with known loyalist agitator, Josiah Phillips, who carried out raids against pro-independence residents of northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia in 1777. Later that year he gave a deposition, possibly after being arrested, stating that Phillips and his forces received shelter and support from Francis Williamson, of Currituck. As a result of Smith and others' testimony, Williamson was brought before the court in Edenton to face charges.