What Is a Letter of Marque?

Letters of marque were central to privateering and to the legal distinction between a privateer and a pirate. They did not grant unlimited permission to rob ships.

What did a letter of marque allow?

It authorized attacks on enemies defined by the issuing government, usually during a particular conflict and under specific rules.

Could privateers keep captured ships?

Prizes normally had to be brought before an admiralty or prize court. If the capture was ruled lawful, the vessel and cargo could be sold and proceeds distributed.

What happened if a captain exceeded the commission?

Attacking neutral or friendly shipping, operating after the authorization expired or ignoring prize procedures could expose a captain to accusations of piracy.

Why it matters for pirate history

Many Golden Age sailors had privateering experience. The end of wars could transform legal raiders into unemployed armed seamen, some of whom later chose piracy.