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"The letters of marque and reprisal then allowed the private vessels to be armed" - RP

Bull - The letters authorized action, not shipbuilding and preparation.

actual letter follows

American Schooner 1814
War of 1812
James Madison, president of the United States of America
To all who shall see these presents, greetings:

Be it known that in pursuance of an act of congress passed on the fifth day of June one thousand eight hundred and twelve, I have commissioned, and by these presents do commission, the private armed Schooner called the (Vessel's Name) Lucy of the burden of twenty-five tons, or thereabouts, owned by (Owners’ Name) John Lawton in the city of (City) Taunton state of (State) Massachusetts mounting four carriage guns, and navigated by twenty-six men, hereby authorizing (captain’s name) John Lawton Captain, and (Lieutenant’s Name) Perez Drinkwater Lieutenant of the said (Vessel’s Name) Lucy and the other officers and crew thereof to: Subdue, seize and take any armed of unarmed British vessel, public or private, which shall be found within the jurisdictional limits of the United States or elsewhere on the high seas, or within the waters of the British dominions.

And each captured vessel with her apparel, guns and appurtenances, and the goods or effects which shall be found on board the same, together with all the British persons and others who shall be found acting on board, to bring within some port of the United States.

And also to retake any vessel, goods or effects of the people of the United States, which may have been captured by any British armed vessel, in order that proceedings may be had concerning each capture or recapture in due form of law, and as to right and justice shall appertain. The said (captain’s name) John Lawton is further authorized to detain, seize and take all vessels and effects, to whomsoever belonging, which shall be liable thereto according to the law of Nations and the rights of the United States as a power at war, and to bring the same within some port of the United States in order that due proceedings may be had thereon.

This commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time being.

Given under my hand and the seal of the United States of America at the city of Washington, the twenty second day of December in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fourteen and the independence of the said states the thirty ninth.

By the President, James Madison
James Monroe, Secretary of State

Notice it authorizes action - not the arming of the Lucy, which was already armed.

"A letter of marque – or letter of reprisal – is the means by which a government authorizes a civilian to arm a private ship in order to attack and plunder the merchant ships of an enemy nation during war,"

Marque [ma;k] n. 1. letters of --, authority formerly given to private persons to fit out an armed ship and use it to attack, capture, and plunder of enemy merchant ships in time of war. 2. = mark, def. 11 (esp. of cars).

A letter of marque—or letter of reprisal—is the means by which a government authorizes a civilian to arm a private ship in order to attack and plunder the merchant ships of an enemy nation during war. Private parties who met certain requirements, such as the posting of a security bond, could arm what was called a “private ship of war” and legally plunder enemy merchant ships.

I'll stand by my statement.