Database: Privateers against the Royal Navy

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While blocking trade with rebel territories thanks to their massive fleet, the British maintained an intense trade with loyal areas of the colonies. The tiny American Navy could certainly not challenge the powerful Royal Navy toe-to-toe. However, the Patriots found a perfect response with the creation of fleets of privateers steering highly maneuverable small vessels that harassed merchant ships and then quickly disappeared before the Royal Navy could intervene. Privateers were not strictly pirates, as they benefited from a "letter of marque" which duly authorized them to attack and plunder the merchant trade of the enemy. The activity proved to be highly efficient and profitable. Some say the Patriots produced letters of marque left blank for anyone to fill in who would join the cause!