Even before the Declaration of Independence July 4th; 1776 and the subsequent formation of the US Navy, there were civilian ships at war. George Washington and Congress approved their use to plunder, pillage, maraud and raid enemy shipping and they had no letter of Marquee. They were literally pirates.
The War's unpleasantries stated in April 1775 with Lexington and Concord.
At sea, among other engagements
"At dusk on 28 November, 1775 Manley captured the much larger (250-ton) but unarmed Nancy.
This was the first important prize taken by the Americans, and Washington sent reinforcements to Cape Ann to secure her. She yielded 2,000 muskets, 100,000 flints, 30,000 round shot, 30 tons of musket shot, and a 13-inch brass mortar weighing over 2,700 pounds. The latter entered into American service and was dubbed "Congress" in a joyous mock christening ceremony. The materiel taken from the Nancy provided significant logistical support for the ordnance-starved Continental Army."
Even before the Declaration of Independence July 4th; 1776 and the subsequent formation of the US Navy, there were civilian ships at war. George Washington and Congress approved their use to plunder, pillage, maraud and raid enemy shipping and they had no letter of Marquee. They were literally pirates.
The War's unpleasantries stated in April 1775 with Lexington and Concord.
At sea, among other engagements "At dusk on 28 November, 1775 Manley captured the much larger (250-ton) but unarmed Nancy.
This was the first important prize taken by the Americans, and Washington sent reinforcements to Cape Ann to secure her. She yielded 2,000 muskets, 100,000 flints, 30,000 round shot, 30 tons of musket shot, and a 13-inch brass mortar weighing over 2,700 pounds. The latter entered into American service and was dubbed "Congress" in a joyous mock christening ceremony. The materiel taken from the Nancy provided significant logistical support for the ordnance-starved Continental Army."