Wikipedia

Privateer

private person or ship authorized by a government to attack foreign shipping

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

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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.

References

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  1. ↑ Summary of Service of N.H. Privateer "General Sullivan" at [1] Archived 2016-09-13 at the Wayback Machine additional links of interest: 1847 obituary of "General Sullivan: Crewman mentions his capture 1779 by the "RoebucK" [2] Also reported capture of "Charlotte" by General Sullivan" [3]
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