Patriotic Privateers: License to Steal

12:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2025

At the outbreak of the Revolution, American seaports were filled with merchant ships and crews. With no navy, the Continental Congress and individual states commissioned privately-owned, armed ships to attack and seize British vessels.

Ultimately, over 2,500 such commissions were issued to these privateers. Proceeds from captures were divided up between the government, the owner of the vessel and the crew. Isle of Wight County had several licensed privateers. During this lecture, local historian Bill Robinson will highlight our local connections to those running blockades and taking British ships as prizes.