politics
April 3, 2026
On This Day: Privateers Played a Critical Role in the Quest for Independence
The following is an installment of “On This Day,” a series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by following the actions of Gen. George Washington, the Continental Congress, and the men and women whose bravery and sacrifice led up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
TL;DR
- The Second Continental Congress authorized privateers to attack British ships on April 3, 1776.
- Letters of Marque were licenses granted by the government to privately-owned vessels to engage in warfare against enemy shipping.
- Privateers were essential during the American Revolution, disrupting the British economy and influencing public opinion against the war.
- Over 2,000 privateers, commissioned by the Continental Congress and states, attacked British shipping on both sides of the Atlantic.
- Privateers acted as a significant naval force for the inexperienced colonial navy against the superior British Navy.
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