Privateers - An inside Look

 

British sailors and marines get slaughtered as they attempt a "cutting out expedition" on the 
American Privateer, General Armstrong

Amanda Foreman's book, "The World on Fire" discusses Britian's balancing act in trying to remain neutral during the American Civil War. One of the reasons she offers, among several others, as to why Britian remained neutral was that they were concerned about the potential devastating impact Union privateers would have had on the British merchant fleet. The British recalled their exasperating experience with American privateers in the Revolution and even more so in the War of 1812. Furthermore, they could see the effect the few Confederate raiders were having on the vast Union merchant fleet. They did not want to risk their merchant fleet to that again,

If you are wondering, like I did, how privateers actually worked than this article by Joshua Smith, "General Armstrong: the Captain, the Ship, the Battle" might help. In it he illuminates how American privateers were financed, built, sailed, and fought in the war of 1812 by following the example of the Baltimore Clipper, General Armstrong.  It became a famous ship due to a tenacious captain and a bloody battle fought in neutral harbor. It is a fascinating read. You can find a copy of the article at the following link General Armstrong: the Captain, the Ship, the Battle