American Privateers of the Revolutionary War: Guardians of the Seas

American Privateers of the Revolutionary War (New Vanguard Book 279)

by Angus Konstam

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23253 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	82 pages

FREE

In the tumultuous waters of the Revolutionary War, when the fledgling United States faced the formidable British Empire, a daring breed of warriors emerged: the American privateers.

Operating under letters of marque issued by the Continental Congress, privateers were essentially state-sanctioned pirates, authorized to prey upon enemy vessels and disrupt enemy commerce. They sailed under the American flag, but they were not part of the Continental Navy. Instead, they were privately owned and crewed, with their owners and crews receiving a share of the plunder they captured.

Unlike the Continental Navy, which focused on large-scale naval battles, privateers excelled in hit-and-run raids. They were smaller, faster, and more maneuverable than the British warships, making them ideal for skirmishes and ambushes. Their crews were often comprised of experienced sailors, fishermen, and merchants, who knew the coastal waters like the back of their hands.

American privateers played a vital role in the Revolutionary War. They captured hundreds of British ships, disrupting the enemy supply lines and forcing the British to allocate significant resources to protect their merchant fleet. The captured ships and their cargoes were often sold, providing much-needed funds to the American war effort.

One of the most famous American privateers was Captain John Paul Jones, who commanded the sloop-of-war Ranger and later the frigate Bonhomme Richard. Jones was a brilliant tactician and a fearless fighter, and his exploits became legendary. In 1779, he captured the British warship HMS Serapis in one of the most dramatic naval battles of the war.

Another renowned privateer was Captain Gustavus Conyngham, who operated out of Dunkirk, France. Conyngham was known for his audacious raids on British shipping and his skill in evading capture. He was captured by the British in 1781, but he escaped and continued to fight until the end of the war.

The American privateers were not without controversy. Their tactics were often ruthless, and they were sometimes accused of piracy. However, their contributions to the war effort were undeniable. They played a major role in weakening the British Navy and disrupting the British economy, helping to secure the independence of the United States.

In the book "American Privateers of the Revolutionary War: New Vanguard 279," author Michael J. Crawford provides a comprehensive and engaging account of these daring mariners.

The book is part of the Osprey New Vanguard series, which is known for its highly illustrated and informative books on military history. This book is no exception, with over 40 color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations.

Crawford covers the history of American privateering from its origins in the colonial era to its peak during the Revolutionary War. He also discusses the different types of privateers, their tactics, and their impact on the war effort.

"American Privateers of the Revolutionary War" is a must-read for anyone interested in naval history, the Revolutionary War, or the golden age of piracy. It is a thrilling and informative account of the daring exploits of these forgotten heroes.

To learn more about American privateers and their role in the Revolutionary War, Free Download your copy of "American Privateers of the Revolutionary War: New Vanguard 279" today.

American Privateers of the Revolutionary War (New Vanguard Book 279)

by Angus Konstam

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23253 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	82 pages

FREE