Marblehead and the War of 1812-- Part 1: Unpopular War, Privateers

From the Dec. 31, 2014,Wicked Local "Marblehead 101: Marblehead and the War of 1812" by Pam Robertson.

The war of 1812 was not popular in the state of Massachusetts or New England.  It hurt their maritime business interests with the constant threat of British seizure of their ships..  The town of Marblehead was still struggling with poverty as a result of the Revolutionary War 30 years prior.

However, many of its captains became privateers under letters of marque received from President Madison. This gave them the right to capture foreign ships and confiscate their cargoes.

Some of Marblehead's privateers:

CONCORDIA--  owned by the Blackler family and John Pedrick

ORIENT

BETSEY--  captured off Newfoundland

--Brock-Perry