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Barbossa On Stranger Tides

Hector Barbossa was a privateer of King George II during the Quest for the Fountain of Youth.

"Full pardon, commission as a privateer on behalf of England and the East India Trading Company. As if I could be bought for such a low price."
Jack Sparrow[src]

A privateer is a man or a ship under contract to a government, allowing them to attack enemy ships during wartime. This contract, called a Letter of Marque, meant that the government got a share of the profits in return for issuing it.

History

"Hector. How nice to see a fellow pirate make good of himself."
"Pirate? Nay. Privateer. On a sanctioned mission, under the authority and protection of the Crown.
"
Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa[src]

Under contract, privateers are allowed to attack enemy ships during wartime. This contract, called Letter of Marque meant that the government got a share of the profits in return for issuing it (usually one-fifth of the value of the captured ship and cargo).

Privateering

Battle between French and Spanish privateers

These contracts were originally called "Letters of Marque and Reprisal" and issued directly by monarchs and governments, but by the late 17th century they were issued by appointed government officials, and later by colonial governors.

Privateering is often described as a form of "legal" piracy. Strictly, a privateer was only entitled to attack enemy vessels during wartime. However, states often encouraged attacks on opposing powers while at peace, or on neutral vessel during time of war, blurring the line between privateering and piracy.

Many members of Cursed crew were privateers before peace-time saw the loss of their employment, forcing them to turn to piracy[1]. During the War Against Piracy, Lord Cutler Beckett attempted to employ Jack Sparrow as a privateer with the use of the Letters of Marque, but they were ultimately claimed by James Norrington[2].

After the war, Hector Barbossa was appointed as a privateer by King George II. He served King George faithfully, but that was just part of his plan to get revenge on Blackbeard, a pirate who cost him his right leg and the Black Pearl. Barbossa later participated in the quest for the Fountain of Youth. After the quest, having killed Blackbeard and claimed his sword and ship, Barbossa tore up his Letters of Marque returned to piracy once again.[3]

Notable privateers

"Be a gem, and pour me a gulper?"
"Nay! We be privateers, not pirates, Master Gibbs, and in the King's name, will behave as such.
"
Joshamee Gibbs and Hector Barbossa[src]
Henry Morgan

Sir Henry Morgan, the most notorious privateer of the 17th century

Note most pirates were originally privateers.

Behind the scenes

External links

Notes and references

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