Samuel Smythe

Samuel Smythe was a captain of the Providence merchant vessel, and was a man notorious for his penny-pinching business decisions and for treating his crewmembers poorly.

Sometime during the 18th century, Smythe came into contact with Haytham Kenway, who had not long assassinated an individual at the Theatre Royal and had secured himself passage aboard the captain's ship through his contacts. This arrangement was much to Samuel's distaste, however, as he had sacrificed the chance at a naval contract that would have potentially earned him a great deal of money.

Despite the initial bitterness towards Haytham, Samuel elected to request the man's help, as he feared a mutiny was forming amongst his men on the Providence. Once Haytham had disposed of the one responsible for painted barrels being thrown overboard, Smythe's attitude changed towards him, though this may have been due to the preservation of his cargo, and not of any genuine admiration.

Reference

 * Assassin's Creed III