The Revolutionary Privateer
What would make a ship-owner take his ship into battle? What if shipping was his means of making a living? What would make him risk it all, his ship and his life, in order to fight? American colonists were faced with choices like this during the Revolutionary War. If not for the ordinary men who stepped up and joined the fight, America would not be an independent country.
The typical shipping merchant had a lot to consider before he stepped into a life of privateering. He had to think hard about the risks. Was it worth giving up a decent living for such a violent quest? It would cost a quite a lot to arm his trading vessel. The crew would have to learn to work a cannon. They would need stout hearts because the British had sailors and soldiers trained for battle at sea.
Despite the risks, many colonial ship owners added cannon and small guns to their ships during the Revolutionary War. After getting permission to fight from their state government or the Continental Congress, these brave sailors set out looking for British ships to plunder. They were called privateers. These privateers usually sailed small ships and attacked British supply vessels, which might be filled with guns, cannon, or firing powder.
They fought because of their loyalty to their state as well as their country. They also fought to make a lot of money really quick. After successfully attacking a merchant vessel, the goods on board became the property of the privateer ship. After these goods were sold, the money was divided among everyone on board, including the cabin boy.
It was not an easy or safe job. Many ship owners lost their ships, and many seamen lost their lives. Many privateers ended up on the British prison ships, where conditions were about as dark and deadly as they could get. Even so, there were always more men ready to set out again.
He contemplated the risks for some time as he watched the waves crash into the distant cliffs. It was not that long ago that service to his country meant service to England. Now, like the waves hitting the rocks, his countrymen battled against the seemingly immovable king. He left his sloop and walked slowly home. He should post the advertisement soon, he thought. A privateer required a much larger crew.