American Privateers vs. U.S. Navy in the War of 1812-- Part 1: "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights"

Since I have been writing about the privateer Patriot.

From American Merchant Marine and Privateers of the War of 1812.

The War of 1812 was fought over the Merchant Marine.  The British were seizing American ships on the high seas, and forcing seamen (impressment) to join their navy.  In addition, American ships bound to Europe would be seized if they did not first make a stop at a British port.

Between 1802 and 1812, they seized or stopped nearly 1500 American vessels.

The war was fought primarily by American merchant ships because the U.S. Navy was so small.  The battle cry was "Free Trade and Sailors' Rights."    During the war, U.S. privateers and Navy ships  together captured some 30,000 prisoners, compared to the American Army's 6,000.

Value of privateer captured British prizes was almost $40 million.

--Brock-Perry