Privateer
A privateer was a privately-owned ship that was given an official government letter of marque to raid enemy shipping during wartime. The term also applies to sailors on such ships.
Well-known privateers included Francis Drake and Martin Frobisher, both from England.
United States
During the American Revolution, privateers were used by the United States to raid British shipping.[1]
During the War of 1812, privateers were again used to raid British shipping.
During the American Civil War, the Confederate States issued privateers letters of marque.
Privateer Media
East Indiaman Kent (left) battling Confiance, a privateer commanded by French corsair Robert Surcouf in October 1800, as depicted in a painting by Ambroise Louis Garneray.
Dutch warships under Witte de With fighting against Dunkirk Privateers off Nieuwpoort in 1640
John Hawkins (left) with Francis Drake (centre) and Thomas Cavendish
16th-century trade routes prey to privateering: Spanish treasure fleets linking the Caribbean to Seville, Manila-Acapulco galleons started in 1568 (white) and rival Portuguese India Armadas of 1498–1640 (blue)
Greek privateer Lambros Katsonis raided Ottoman shipping in the 18th century
An action between an English ship and vessels of the Barbary corsairs
Bermuda Gazette of 12 November 1796, calling for privateering against Spain and its allies during the 1796 to 1808 Anglo-Spanish War, and with advertisements for crew for two privateer vessels.
The Spanish Amaro Pargo was one of the most famous corsairs of the Golden Age of Piracy.
