John Brown How did he help the colonists struggle for freedom? John Brown lead the attack on the Gaspee. He may have even planned the grounding of this ship at what is now known as Gaspee Point. FThe crew of the Gaspee stopped and searched boats to make sure that there were no goods being smuggled. If goods were smuggled or hidden, the tax collectors would not know about them so they would not collect the taxes. That means less money for the king! John Brown was also active in creating the committees of correspondence in Rhode Island. After Lexington/Concord, he was active in the raising of the new American Army and supplying it with food and equipment.