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A privateer was a privately-owned ship that was given an official government letter of marque to raid enemy shipping during wartime. The term also applies to sailors on such ships.
Well-known privateers included Francis Drake and Martin Frobisher, both from England.
During the American Revolution, privateers were used by the United States to raid British shipping.[1]
During the War of 1812, privateers were again used to raid British shipping.
During the American Civil War, the Confederate States issued privateers letters of marque.
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