Something interesting that I got curious about skimmed once is how letters of Marque and Reprisal didn’t authorize scopes of firepower.
Congress just assumed private citizens knew where a private citizen could buy canon. No permission was needed to buy it, arm it or fire it. You only needed Congresses permission to fire it at a foreigner.
At one point I had the “Lucy” as a ready example.
She was a privateer that was very well armed. Occasionally she also carried letters of marque.
The Lucy sailed with a fine armament - in private hands.
Congress just assumed private citizens knew where a private citizen could buy canon. No permission was needed to buy it, arm it or fire it. You only needed Congresses permission to fire it at a foreigner.
I like that. Excellent point!
Letters of Marque and Reprisal simply gave the bearer legal standing so as not to be considered a pirate.
Letters of Marque and Reprisal simply gave the bearer legal standing so as not to be considered a pirate.