Description:

1776 Court Petition Against American Privateer

A petition to the Plymouth Court of Admiralty by Edward Pope, on behalf of his client, addressed to Nathan Cushing Esq., Judge of the Court "erected to try the justice of the captures of all vessels that are found infesting the Sea coasts of America…" 2pp, front and back, measuring 7.5" x 12.5", Plymouth, Massachusetts, circa August 15, 1776. Signed at the conclusion "Edwd Pope". The document has flattened folds and has become almost completely separated at the center horizontal fold. Light toning and soiling throughout. Boldly signed.

Pope makes a petition on behalf of Sir Thomas Burges of Dartmouth, informing the court of the illegal seizure of goods by privateer John Phillips. Burges argues that the action was against the Resolves of Congress and the Laws and Acts of the Colony of Massachusetts, and asks that the cargo and ship remain in forfeit. 

In part:

…John Phillips Commander of the Sloop Warren did on the thirty first day of July last on the high seas attack & take a ship called Argo burthen about one hundred & seventy tons…Burges by his sd attorney gives the sd court to understand & be informed that the sd ship & her cargo at the time of her capture aforsd was the property of the Enemies of the Unites Colonies & was employed by sd Enemies…All which is repugnant to the Resolves of Congress & the Laws & Acts of this Colony…the sd Thomas Burges by his sd attorney prays the advisement of the court thereon that the Facts aforsd may be inquired of by the Country & that in all due course of Law, the sd Ship with appurtenances & cargo aforsd may be adjudged to be & remain forfit & to be applied to the uses mentioned in the sd Resolves, Acts & Laws…"

America’s thirteen colonies possessed very little in the way of financial resources or naval power during the Revolutionary War, thus the use of privateers allowed the fledgling nation to supplement its small navy and do a great deal of harm to British commerce. By comparison, 3,087 ships were captured by privateers compared to 200 ships captured by the American government warships. Privateers also aided the war effort by capturing thousands of British seamen and depressed the morale of the British public.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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