Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution
T would be difficult to determine when licensed privateering began in Europe, but it was probably not earlier than the thirteenth century. Private armed ships roamed the sea long before national navies were organized, but they were unregulated and irresponsible in very early times. Their crews were ready to fight against the enemies of their country when at war, or against pirates. They were perhaps not always averse to piracy themselves in time of peace, when there were no national enemies to pursue. The Royal Navy of England seems to have had its beginnings during the reign of King John; at least it is known that the king then had his own ships. It was long after John's time, however, before anything like a navy of real force ex isted; and national defense, therefore, continued to de pend chie?y upon private enterprise. Privateering was extensively carried on by other nations as well, especi ally France and the Netherlands.'
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