interesting tidbits

[Hethwill, the Red Duke]

Interesting bits of information should be posted here.

Specific discussions about each or any are certainly worth their own thread.

[Hethwill, the Red Duke]

While the celebrated "yankee privateers" or "french corsairs" tend to occupy most of the breathing space, especially during the late 1700's and up to 1815, both the english and french canadian bourne privateering ventures shouldn't be overlooked as they proved time and again to be, once all accounts are settled, way more proficient than their yank counterparts and definitely comparable, in grit and courage to the likes of Allemand or Surcouf.

Just a small sideline on how costly it was to get a license. 

Spoils of War: Privateering in Nova Scotia ...  https://novascotia.ca/archives/privateers/

Quote

"Privateers are not permitted, under peril, to fly any colours usually shown by the King's ships but ... had to fly a red Jack with the Union Jack described in the upper corner. Prisoners are forbidden to be ransomed."

Quote

"particulars of a ship's tonnage, armament, ammunition, etc., together with the names of the owners, officers and men were to be given to the Admiralty Court [in Nova Scotia's case, located in Halifax] and there registered. A regular account of captures and proceedings had to be kept [in what was termed the 'log-book'], and any valuable information obtained about the enemy had to be reported"

Quote

"Before a letter of marque was issued, bail with sureties [guarantors] was required either on behalf of the owners, if residents, or the captain. The amount of bail varied according to the number of men the ship carried. If her crew numbered upwards of 150 men, £3,000 sterling [about $500,000 of today's money] was required, while if less than this number, £1,500."

Quote

"Prizes were directed to be taken to any port in H. M.'s Dominions that should be most convenient, and there to be adjudicated upon [tried] by the High Court of Admiralty ... . After condemnation [being declared a fair legitimate catch], it was lawful for the captors to sell the prize in an open market [by auction] to their best advantage"

 

[Angus MacDuff]

Should be read with the music "Barrett's Privateer" playing in the background.

[Hethwill, the Red Duke]

7 minutes ago, Oberon74 said:

Should be read with the music "Barrett's Privateer" playing in the background.

 

 

[Hethwill, the Red Duke]

Back to tidbits after the Commercial break.

 

[Sir Texas Sir]

2 hours ago, Oberon74 said:

Should be read with the music "Barrett's Privateer" playing in the background.