They often had bond letters or commissions (Letters of Marque?) from the Federal Government allowing them to fight as private sailors in the name of the colonies. For example- The Mass Hist Soc published Mass Privateers of the Revolution and my cousin Col Isaac "King" Sears figured prominently. An example 1781 Petitioner Isaac Sears "Prospect Brig 100 ton - Penalty in the fifth year of the Independence of the United States 12 gun 25 men Bond to fit out and set forth in a warlike manner to attack, subdue, feize, and take all ships and other veffels, goods, wares, etc belonging to the crown of Great Britain and shall govern and conduct himself as Master and Commander of the said Ship." There are 14 other ships with similar Bond letters to Sea Captains in the Sears family. -----Original Message----- From: Laura Callier [mailto:lauracallier@earthlink.net] Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2006 3:31 PM To: MABARNST-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [MaBarnstable] privateers in war of 1812....sources? Hi, Just found out one of my Cape Cod Battershall ancestors may have been a privateer during the War of 1812. First, what was a privateer, and second, where might I find information on privateers? Thanks, Laura