Privateering in the Napoleonic Wars

Governments issued letters of marque permitting privately owned vessels to attack enemy shipping. Successful cruises could produce substantial prize money, although privateers faced capture, commercial risk and accusations of conduct close to piracy.

Privateering tied maritime warfare directly to investment and personal profit. It also provided employment for experienced sailors outside regular naval command.

Treachery places Kydd in command of a privateer after his removal from the Royal Navy. The arrangement offers independence and prizes but cannot replace the status and purpose he associates with commissioned service.