Existing comment:
Privateers:
American naval forces throughout the early history of the Republic were assisted by private vessels. The fast-sailing, heavily armed, and heavily manned privateers preyed upon enemy merchantmen to profit from the sale of their captured vessels and their cargo. Significantly disrupting enemy commerce, this action was strongly encouraged by Congress. Joshua Barney, one of the most successful privateers, captained the schooner Rossie, owned by several Baltimore merchants. During a remarkable three month cruise in the Caribbean, he captured 3,700 tons of British shipping valued at a million and a half dollars. |