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Osprey New Vanguard #279
American Privateers of the Revolutionary War
This title explores the ships and history of the enterprising American patriots who fought the Royal Navy as privateers, and played a major part in winning the Revolutionary War at sea.
During the American War of Independence (1775–83), Congress issued almost 800 letters of marque as a way of combating Britain's overwhelming naval and mercantile superiority. At first, it was only fishermen and the skippers of small merchant ships who turned to privateering, with mixed results. Eventually though, American shipyards began to turn out specially-converted ships, while later still, the first purpose-built privateers entered the fray.
These American privateers seized more than 600 British merchant ships over the course of the war, capturing thousands of British seamen. Indeed, Jeremiah O'Brien's privateer Unity successfully fought the first sea engagement of the Revolutionary War in the Battle of Machias of 1775. With just 40 men, their guns, axes, and pitchforks and the words “Surrender to America”, he managed to capture a British armed schooner. By the end of the war, some of the largest American privateers could venture as far as the British Isles, and were more powerful than most contemporary warships in the fledgling US Navy. A small number of Loyalist privateers also put to sea during the war, and preyed on the shipping of their rebel countrymen.
Packed with fascinating insights into the age of privateers, this book traces the development of these remarkable ships, and explains how they made such a significant contribution to the American Revolutionary War.
During the American War of Independence (1775–83), Congress issued almost 800 letters of marque as a way of combating Britain's overwhelming naval and mercantile superiority. At first, it was only fishermen and the skippers of small merchant ships who turned to privateering, with mixed results. Eventually though, American shipyards began to turn out specially-converted ships, while later still, the first purpose-built privateers entered the fray.
These American privateers seized more than 600 British merchant ships over the course of the war, capturing thousands of British seamen. Indeed, Jeremiah O'Brien's privateer Unity successfully fought the first sea engagement of the Revolutionary War in the Battle of Machias of 1775. With just 40 men, their guns, axes, and pitchforks and the words “Surrender to America”, he managed to capture a British armed schooner. By the end of the war, some of the largest American privateers could venture as far as the British Isles, and were more powerful than most contemporary warships in the fledgling US Navy. A small number of Loyalist privateers also put to sea during the war, and preyed on the shipping of their rebel countrymen.
Packed with fascinating insights into the age of privateers, this book traces the development of these remarkable ships, and explains how they made such a significant contribution to the American Revolutionary War.
48 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2020
About the author
Angus Konstam
232 books62 followersAngus Konstam is a Scottish writer of popular history. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland and raised on the Orkney Islands, he has written more than a hundred books on maritime history, naval history, historical atlases, with a special focus on the history of piracy.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 20, 2020
Any examination of the colonies’ war for independence usually focuses on the land battles. Although the naval war, at least as regards the Continental Navy, is negligible, it is an important aspect of the conflict that should not be overlooked. Konstam attempts to examine this aspect of the war since both sides were dependent on the sea for supplies and reinforcements, as well as maritime commerce. This vulnerability gave rise to privateers, privately armed ships that preyed on enemy shipping.
Since the Continental Congress lacked sufficient funds and vessels to create a full-fledged navy, especially one that could match the manpower and armament of the Royal Navy, individual colonies and the Congress relied on private citizens willing to risk their lives and fortunes to acquire, man, and arm a maritime fleet to strike at the enemy. In exchange for this private funding, both colonial governments and the Congress granted these vessels licenses called “letters of marque” to go out on legal “pirating” ventures. In return, the governments asked for a portion of the proceeds garnered from whatever prizes were brought back and declared legitimate. Nor was this solely an American practice. Loyalists in the colonies and Canada, as well as England itself, participated in such cruises.
The word “privateer” can refer to a ship, her captain, or her crew. In the case of this book, it is the first definition that is the principal concern here. This isn’t necessarily evident from the table of contents: Design and Development (design and shipbuilding, vessel types and rigs, and purpose-built privateer); Business of Privateering (owners and captains; letters of marque and instructions); Life on Board; and Privateers in Action. Only in reading the narrative and viewing the illustrations is this fact made abundantly clear.
In combination with an introduction, a background summary, a bibliography, and an index, volume #279 of Osprey’s New Vanguard series serves as an introduction to privateering ships of this period. The majority of illustrations pertain to the vessels and the original artwork depicts side views of a number of privateers: Tyrannicide, Hope, Rhodes, King George, Fair American, Washington, Mohawk, Berbice, and General Pickering. There is also a two-page spread showing a cutaway view of Rattlesnake, as well as one of Saucy Jack in action against HMS Observer. The artwork is a vital part of this work and, when combined with the captions, provides glimpses into the compelling world of privateering.
The narrative itself is a somewhat dry recitation of facts and figures that merely skim the surface of the Revolution’s privateering history. Individuals are mentioned, but the text doesn’t go into any great detail on the daring escapades of the more legendary men. One such example mentions Captain Jonathan Haraden who captures the Golden Eagle after threatening to deliver a broadside at night if she doesn’t surrender. There is more to the story than these simple facts, but rather than treat readers to the whole story, only a few facts are shared. Although some attempt is made to explain nautical vocabulary, readers with more than a rudimentary knowledge of ships and sailing will better comprehend what is discussed. For those seeking the adventure and dangers associated with privateering, you might want to look elsewhere. For readers seeking knowledge about privateering ships, this serves as a good introduction to the topic.
Since the Continental Congress lacked sufficient funds and vessels to create a full-fledged navy, especially one that could match the manpower and armament of the Royal Navy, individual colonies and the Congress relied on private citizens willing to risk their lives and fortunes to acquire, man, and arm a maritime fleet to strike at the enemy. In exchange for this private funding, both colonial governments and the Congress granted these vessels licenses called “letters of marque” to go out on legal “pirating” ventures. In return, the governments asked for a portion of the proceeds garnered from whatever prizes were brought back and declared legitimate. Nor was this solely an American practice. Loyalists in the colonies and Canada, as well as England itself, participated in such cruises.
The word “privateer” can refer to a ship, her captain, or her crew. In the case of this book, it is the first definition that is the principal concern here. This isn’t necessarily evident from the table of contents: Design and Development (design and shipbuilding, vessel types and rigs, and purpose-built privateer); Business of Privateering (owners and captains; letters of marque and instructions); Life on Board; and Privateers in Action. Only in reading the narrative and viewing the illustrations is this fact made abundantly clear.
In combination with an introduction, a background summary, a bibliography, and an index, volume #279 of Osprey’s New Vanguard series serves as an introduction to privateering ships of this period. The majority of illustrations pertain to the vessels and the original artwork depicts side views of a number of privateers: Tyrannicide, Hope, Rhodes, King George, Fair American, Washington, Mohawk, Berbice, and General Pickering. There is also a two-page spread showing a cutaway view of Rattlesnake, as well as one of Saucy Jack in action against HMS Observer. The artwork is a vital part of this work and, when combined with the captions, provides glimpses into the compelling world of privateering.
The narrative itself is a somewhat dry recitation of facts and figures that merely skim the surface of the Revolution’s privateering history. Individuals are mentioned, but the text doesn’t go into any great detail on the daring escapades of the more legendary men. One such example mentions Captain Jonathan Haraden who captures the Golden Eagle after threatening to deliver a broadside at night if she doesn’t surrender. There is more to the story than these simple facts, but rather than treat readers to the whole story, only a few facts are shared. Although some attempt is made to explain nautical vocabulary, readers with more than a rudimentary knowledge of ships and sailing will better comprehend what is discussed. For those seeking the adventure and dangers associated with privateering, you might want to look elsewhere. For readers seeking knowledge about privateering ships, this serves as a good introduction to the topic.
April 9, 2020
Focuses more time and energy on the various permutations of hull and sail layout than it does on any of the actions. Some further discussion of logistical difficulties might have been a better use of space. For example, how did the colonies/builders source their cannon and other more industrial-type ship needs? More space devoted to actions would have been nice, as well.
Overall, given the art and discussion of sail plans, this will probably be an excellent resource for modelers. Otherwise, it is just barely an introduction to the subject.
Overall, given the art and discussion of sail plans, this will probably be an excellent resource for modelers. Otherwise, it is just barely an introduction to the subject.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews