New Jersey Privateers were local fishermen, baymen, residents and businessmen who sailed out of ports like Toms River, Little Egg Harbor and Cape May. They secured "Commissions or Letters of Marque and Reprisal" which allowed the Captain, owner and crew to profit from the sale of legally captured ships and cargo. Investors from NJ and Philadelphia financed the ships, arms and bonded the Captains as protection against piracy. New Jersey Privateers operated in close proximity to NY which was the headquarters and main supply artery for the British. Legends of privateers echo with murder, mayhem, valor and profit. The privateer system supported the war and brought investment opportunities to even the average citizen.
"The greatest frenzy of venture capitalism resulted in March 1776 when the Continental Congress authorized commerce raiding by private men-of-war."
David Fowler
These were Troublesome Times Indeed in New Jersey in the American Revolution ed. Barbara Mitnick
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