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HISTORY

American Privateers

American privateers scored well in 1812 and even New England merchants rushed to outfit their ships and obtain the needed papers to become a privateer . . . there was money to be had. Yet it was clear by the end of 1812 that although successful, privateers would not be able to bring the war to a successful conclusion.

One of the leading Privateers of 1812 was the Yankee (15 guns) out of Bristol, Rhode Island which took eight prizes valued at $300,000. Commodore Joshua Barney started his War of 1812 career in command of the Rossie (15 guns) which took 18 prizes worth, in total, 1.5 million dollars of value during its forays into British shipping.

All in all, American privateers took 450 prizes.