Existing comment:
Privateers:
American privateers during the Revolution were privately owned vessels licensed by state governments to wage commercial warfare against Great Britain. In March 1776 Congress authorized privateering, and by the end of the war nearly 2,500 American cruisers had taken over 2,000 prizes. Their efforts forced the British to disperse the Royal Navy and to form and escort trade convoys. Privateers frustrated the establishment of an effective blockade of North America, enabling the patriots to receive the European assistance they needed for victory. |