Privateer

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"Full pardon, commission as a privateer on behalf of England and the East India Trading Company. As if I could be bought for such a low price."

―Jack Sparrow^[src]

A privateer is a man or a ship under contract to a government, allowing them to attack enemy ships during wartime. This contract, called Letter of Marque, meant that the government got a share of the profits in return for issuing it (usually one-fifth of the value of the captured ship and cargo).

These contracts were originally called "Letters of Marque and Reprisal" and issued directly by monarchs and governments, but by the late 17th century they were issued by appointed government officials, and later by colonial governors.

Privateering is often described as a form of "legal" piracy. Strictly, a privateer was only entitled to attack enemy vessels during wartime. However, states often encouraged attacks on opposing powers while at peace, or on neutral vessel during time of war, blurring the line between privateering and piracy.

[edit] Notable privateers

• Henry Morgan (on behalf of England [1663-1671])
• Edward Teach (on behalf of Great Britain [1701-1714])
• Ammand the Corsair (on behalf of Ottoman Empire)
• Eduardo Villanueva (on behalf of Spain)
• Garcia de Avaracia (on behalf of Spain)
• Pierre le Porc (on behalf of France)

[edit] External links

• Privateer on Wikipedia