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Letter of marque facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Drake-treasure
Drake viewing treasure taken from a Spanish ship, print courtesy New York Public Library

A letter of marque was an official letter from a government authorizing a private individual to raid and capture merchant shipping of an enemy nation. A ship operating under a letter of marque was called a privateer. The United States Constitution authorized Congress to issue letters of marque.

The difference between a privateer and a pirate was a subtle (often invisible) one, and the issuance of letters of marque was banned by international law in 1854.

Images for kids

  • Kaperbrief Maurits van Nassau voor Johan de Moor, 1 juni 1618 - Letter of marque - Nationaal Archief - 1

    Copy of a letter of marque and reprisal issued by Maurice, Prince of Orange to Captain Johan de Moor from Vlissingen for South America, 1 June 1618, page 1

  • Lettre-de-marque2

    Letter of marque given to Captain Antoine Bollo via the shipowner Dominique Malfino from Genoa, owner of the Furet, a 15-tonne privateer, 27 February 1809

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Patente de corso para niños

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