Privateers

This very rare image of a Canadian privateer from the War of 1812 shows HMS Martin capturing the American privateer Snap Dragon. Privateers were privately owned warships that attempted to capture enemy ships and sell the vessels and their cargos. In this case, entrepreneurs from Saint John, New Brunswick, bought the American privateer and sent it back out to sea as the Snapdragon to prey on American commerce.

Painting by Irwin John Bevan, around 1852-1940,
The Mariners’ Museum, Newport News, Virginia, 1940.0969.000001