April 7, 1781 be it ordained ... the Following Instructions be Observed by the Captains or Commanders of Private Armed Vessels ...

£6,500 · Offered by Maggs Bros Ltd

While the exploits of John Paul Jones will be forever synonymous with American navy during the Revolutionary War, unlike “the army, there was nothing resembling a colonial structure for a navy, which meant American seapower relied totally on improvisation, every plan, promotion, and ship assignment required congressional support” (ANB). In fact, it wasn’t until 1797 that John Adams convened the first joint session of Congress where he argued for the formation of a United States Navy, which meant during the Revolutionary War US was heavily reliant on not just her French allies, but also privateers. This scarce decree encapsulates the above, providing an overview of the terms under which privateers were employed to assist in the war at sea against the British . It was an ever-expanding list, originally numbering just five, which grew to eleven by May 2, 1780, and apparently culminated in this definitive list of thirteen detailed instructions. (There doesn’t appear to be a further revision.) It makes no apologies for the matter at hand and the first instruction states: “ You may by force of arms attack, subdue, and seize all ships, vessels, and goods, belonging to the king or crown of Great Britain … And you may also annoy the enemy by all means in your power, by land as well as by water, taking care not to infringe or violate the laws of nations, or laws of neutrality.” The second, third, and fourth points concern rights of neutral powers and their vessels. The next three detai

• Binding: Hardcover

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