Discussion/ Activities

Privateer vs. pirate. Brainstorm activities/essential questions

Privateers Pirates Operate only in wartime against a Act outside the bounds of defined enemy. international law and custom.

Act under license and authority of the Respect no flag and attack any ship, government. regardless of nationality.

Must post a bond which they forfeit if Owe allegiance to no nation. they stray outside the law.

All captured ships and cargo must be Do not respect personal property, and judged as legal prizes by an Admiralty often terrorize and kill any witnesses Court. to their actions.

Must provide fair treatment of Know that the universal penalty for prisoners and respect all personal piracy is hanging. property.

Brainstorm 3 discussion questions you could pose to your students:

1. ______2. ______3. ______

Choose one and use it as the basis for a classroom activity. Share.

How Privateers Made Profits

Expenses

Vessel and cargo valued at $102,807

Deduct for court costs, wharf fees, misc. charges: ($3,612)

Balance: $______

Deduct Government import duty of 40% = $______

From that total, deduct Ship’s Agent Fee 5% = $______

This amount is divided between the owners, officers, and crew as follows:

Owners get half: Divide balance by 2 = $______

Divide the balance by 270 crew members:

This is one share $______

Captain X 16 share = $______

First Lieutenant X 9 shares = $______

Able-bodied seamen X 2 shares = $______

Ordinary seamen X 1 ½ shares = $______

Landsman or marine – 1 share= $______

Top earning Baltimore privateer vessels (1812 money) Chasseur $221,000 Comet $220,000 Harpy $201,500 Sabine $193,000 Highflyer $187,000

 In 1812 the Secretary of the Navy earned $4,500 a year  The U.S. Attorney General earned $3,000 a year.  A successful privateer could earn $20,000 - $30,000 a year.  A major merchant could recoup $60,000 - $90,000 a year on his investments in prize money from several privateers.