This page will assist those looking for privateers. We get frequent correspondance on the subject. There is a lot of confusion
in that privateers were just that---privately owned. They are not commissioned Confederate Navy vessels but were licensed to act in a private capacity in nearly the same way except a percentage of their captures could be retained as profit by the owners of such vessels. They were not manned by commissioned CSN officers or CSN seamen except in a rare instance.
Letters of Marque and Reprisal are the licenses (also called commissions) to operate from the CS government.
Following this index in the Official Records of the Navies are the mostly complete letters herein referred to.
You will then need to look in the ORN for the exact letters. They are full of interesting details.
Since these are not official Confederate Navy vessels, we do not concentrate our research efforts on them but do have a passing knowledge. There were also vessels owned by the Army as well, without CSN officers. Confusing, isn't it?

From and to whom.
Date--- Subject.
 1861.
*
Savannah, Ga., collector of, to State Department
Apr. 18 Transmits application of W. Howe for letters of marque and reprisal for schooner Gallatin.
*
B. S. Sanchez to State Department
April 22 Applies for a letter of marque for brig Hallie Jackson, and is prepared to give bond and necessary vouchers.
*
J. S. Kennedy to R. Josselyn
Apr. 19 Desires a letter of marque and reprisal, and inquires what steps to take to secure same.
*
P. Marcy to State Department
Apr. 22 Applies for letters of marque and reprisal for steamer Joseph Landis, in behalf of himself and other owners.
*
J. Houston to State Department
April 22 Applies for letters of marque and reprisal for schooner Triton, for himself and other owners.
*
J. Gordon to the President
 Apr. 23 Prays that letters of marque and reprisal may be granted for the brig Putnam.
*
J. Brass to the Attorney General, C. S.
Apr. 24 Requests instructions in reference to fitting out a privateer for country's service by citizens of Monticello, Fla.
*
S. Kingsbury to Navy Department
Apr. 29 States, has been applied to by citizens of New England, for information concerning letters of marque and reprisal, who are willing to engage in privateering if "inducements" will be made for them to engage in that kind of warfare. (isn't this interesting? Wonder who they were)
*
E. J. Black to the President
Apr. 30 Applies for letters of marque and reprisal for schooner Lamar.
*
E. J. Delany and P. J. Holstein to War Department
May -- Citizens of Floyd, La., desire letters of marque and reprisal for the purpose of privateering on the Mississippi River.
*
C. H. Stevens to Navy Department
May 4 Desires information as to letters of marque and reprisal for large steamer for Charleston citizens.
*
C. H. Stevens to Treasury Department
May 4 States citizens of Charleston desire letters of marque and reprisal for steamer Nashville.
*
W. R. Miles to State Department
May 4 Wishes 20 or 30 letters of marque with instructions, sent him, with name of ship and commander left blank.
*
C. S. Congress
May 6 An act recognizing the existence of war between the United States and the Confederate States, and concerning letters of marque, prizes and prize goods.
*
State Department to the Attorney General, C. S.
May 7 Incloses letters of application and bonds of W. R. Miles and others, for letters of marque and reprisal, for steamers Calhoun, V. H. Ivy, Yankee, Music, etc.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
May 7 Transmits application of P. J. Esnard and other citizens of South Carolina, for letters of marque and reprisal.
*
Savannah, Ga., collector of, to State Department.
May 7 Transmits bond of B. S. Sanchez as required for letters of marque and reprisal.
*
State Department to W. R. Miles
May 8 Announces, application for letters of marque and reprisal not fully complying with the law, returns it for correction.
*
State Department to Savannah, Ga., collector of.
May 9 States the bond of B. S. Sanchez being defective, returns it for correction.
*
State Department to J. Houston
May 10 Notified that bond being approved, a commission for schooner Triton will be sent.
*
Savannah, Ga., collector of, to State Department
May 15 Acknowledges letter of April 18, with accompanying document.
*
Mobile, Ala., collector of, to State Department
May 16 Acknowledges letter of 10th instant, with accompanying documents.
*
E. Delany to the President
May 18 Solicits a letter of marque for steamer Phenix and gives description of her.
*
State Department to Mr. Menninger
May 19 Gives instructions as to obtaining a desired commission.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
May 20 Acknowledges 5 commissions to be issued to commanders of vessels, for which letters of marque are requested, with other documents.
*
W. J. Grazebrook to State Department
May 20 Announces plans for securing vessels to make a bold raid on big cities and to burn them, and asks his assistance with funds to help his schemes of destruction.
*
State Department to New Orleans
May 21 Gives instructions about an application and bond to be executed, after which a commission may be issued.
*
New Orleans, La., collector of, to State Department
May 21 Transmits copy of register, which shows commissions have been issued to steamers Calhoun, Music, V. II. Ivy, and W. H. Webb.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
May 21 Request from parties who own brig Putnam to change that name to Jefferson Davis.
*
State Department to Charleston, S. C., collector of.
May 23 States there will be no objection to changing the name of brig Putnam to Jefferson Davis.
*
State Department to New Orleans, La., collector of.
May 25 Gives instructions about commissions, etc., and incloses copies of act regulating sale of prizes.
*
State Department to New Orleans, La., collector of.
May 27 Sends instructions for E. Delany, of steamer Phenix, to call at Cailou River, La., for letters of marque.
*
State Department to Apalachicola, Fla., collector of.
May 27 Transmits letter of marque for steamer Phenix, which will call for same.
*
Mobile, Ala., collector of, to State Department.
May 27 Forwards abstract from register of commissions, issued to applicants for letters of marque and reprisal from his office.
*
State Department to Columbus, Ga., postmaster at.
May 27 Requests the speedy transmittal of papers for Mr. Baker from his office.
*
New Orleans, La., collector of, to State Department
June 4 Sends application of J. I. Bard and W. R. Adams for letters of marque and reprisal for steamer Isabella.
*
The President to New Orleans, La., district attorney at.
June 6 Directs execution of decrees rendered in cases of U. S. S. Saratoga and steamers Marquis de la Habana and General Miramon.
*
Wilmington, N. C., collector of, to Treasury Department
June 6 Requests instructions as to the issuance of letters of marque and reprisal.
*
W. C. Corrie to State Department
June 8 Desires information as to the application for letters of marque and reprisal, commissions, and bonds.
*
New Orleans, La., collector of, to State Department
June 8 Transmits application of F. Belcher and J. I. Bard for the issuance of letters of marque and reprisal for bark Matilda.
*
New Orleans, La., collector of, to State Department
June 10 Transmits application for letters of marque and reprisal of S. E. Parker for steamer Gov. A. Mouton.
*
R. H. Lorton to State Department
June 11 Transmits abstract of register of commission issued to W. T. Kendall for schooner Lorton and brig Sealine.
*
Savannah Ga., collector of, to State Department
June 17 States no commission has been issued to B. S. Sanchez or any one else from his office.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
June 18 Transmits copy of register, with application for a commission for brig Jefferson Davis, and other papers.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
June 27 Transmits application and register of commission for schooner Dixie and other papers.
*
State Department to Charleston, S. C., collector of.
July 1 Sends five blank commissions for privateers, with laws and instructions in relation thereto.
*
Norfolk, Va., collector of, to Treasury Department
July 1 Requests information regarding the issue of letters of marque and reprisal to privateers.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
July 3 Acknowledges five blank forms of commissions for privateers
*
New Orleans, La., collector of, to State Department
July 3 Transmits application for letters of marque and reprisal for schooner J. O. Nixon.
*
S. Cherry to the President
July 4 Applies for letter of marque and reprisal for schooner York.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
July 11 Transmits register of commission for letters of marque and reprisal to be issued to schooner Petrel.
*
J. H. Flanner to Wilmington, N. C., collector of.
July 12 Applies for letters of marque and reprisal for steamer Mariner.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department.
July 15 Transmits application for letters of marque and reprisal for steamer Gordon and other papers.
*
D. Riker to State Department
July 19 Inquires whether C. S. Governments can give protection to an organized party who wish to sail on U. S. steamer from Havana to capture her on the way to New York.
*
A. S. Sullivan to J. R. Tucker
July 22 Comments on the capture of some of the crew of privateer Sumter and encloses count of same.
*
State Department to H. B. M. consul at Richmond, Va.
July 24 Advises making claim for coffee lost on brig Monticello to the admiralty court having jurisdiction in the case.
*
The Attorney General, C. S., to State Department
July 24 Gives opinion on claim for coffee lost on brig Monticello, which should go to admiralty court for settlement.
*
State Department to the Attorney General, C. S.
July 24 Transmits papers from her British Majesty's consul concerning claim of British subjects.
*
State Department to the Attorney General
Aug 3 Transmits letter of A. S. Sulivan, counsel for Captain Baker of privateer Savannah, and desires advice and opinion on the subject.
*
T. J. Page to Navy Department
Aug. 14 Introduces O. T. Weens, who desires a commission for a privateer.
*
G. Robinson to State Department
Aug. 20 Applies for a letter of marque for schooner Onward, with description thereof.
*
J. L. Dunham and T. Stokes to State Department
Aug 20 Apply for letter of marque for schooner F. S. Bartow, and furnish description thereof.
*
J. B. Borum to the President
Aug 21 Inquires whether letters of marque and reprisal will be issued to individuals, authorizing capture of vessels on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers belonging to the enemy's government.
*
J. B. Borum to War Department
Aug 21 Inquires about letters of marque and reprisal authorizing capture of enemy vessels on Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
*
J. Brass to State Department
Aug. 28 Requests a commission for a privateer to prey upon enemy's commerce, and gives references as to his integrity.
*
V. McNeill to J. Lyons
Sept. 8 Sends a message from Mr. N. Harrison concerning letters of marque and reprisal given by C. S. Government to privateers Jeff Davis and Petrel, copies of which he desires sent him as counsel for prisoners of the privateers in Philadelphia.
*
State Department to St. Marks, Fla., collector of.
Sept. 9 The Department regrets it cannot comply with request of J. Brass for a letter of marque and reprisal for steamer Manassas.
*
New Orleans, La., collector of, to State Department
Sept. 13 Encloses an application for letters of marque and reprisal for steamer Manassas.
*
O. T. Weems to State Department
Sept. 16 Encloses bond and description of schooner Josephine.
*
State Department to O. T. Weems
Sept. 21 States the C. S. government does not furnish armament of private vessels nor give commissions to officers of such vessels.
*
W. C. Rutland et al. to the President.
Sept 27 Desire letters of marque and reprisal.
*
O. T. Weems to State Department
Sept 27 Asks for return of license and enrollment of the schooner Josephine.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
Sept. 28 Transmits application from commander and owners of schooner Sallie for letter of marque and reprisal.
*
State Department to W. C. Rutland and others
Oct. 4 Replies that letters of marque and reprisal can only be issued for vessels cruising upon the high seas.
*
State Department to O. T. Weems
Oct. 7 Returns license and enrollment of schooner Josephine and sends commission for that vessel.
*
W. F. Presson to State Department
Oct. 7 Transmits bond of I. Williamson, owner of boat Sea Hawk, and G. N. Nooker and J. N. Cooper, securities, with other papers.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
Oct. 22 Transmits application of owners of schooner Beauregard for letters of marque and reprisal.
*
State Department to St. Marks, Fla., collector of.
Nov. 11 Inquires whether the commission of J. Brass for steamer Monticello is a bona fide one, if not to revoke his letter of marque.
*
H. A. Howard and R. Newcomb to State Department
Nov. 14 Ask to be relieved as sureties on bond of O. T. Weems, as their signatures were falsely procured.
*
State Department to H. A. Howard, and R. Newcomb
Nov. 16 Regrets the Department does not consider it had the power to release Messrs. Howard and Newcomb as sureties on bond of O. T. Weems.
*
O. T. Weems to Navy Department
Dec. 5 Tenders resignation of commission as captain of schooner Josephine.
*
State Department to O. T. Weems
Dec. 9 Surrenders his commission for schooner Josephine.
State Department to H. A. Howard and R. Newcomb do Incloses letter of O. T. Weems, which shows his commission was surrendered and canceled for schooner Josephine.
*
 1862.
J. T. Pickett to State Department
Jan. 1 Reports proceeding in regard to issuing letters of marque and reprisal to C. Maroe and Don M. Ramirez in Mexico.
*
J. Barbiere to State Department
Jan. 3 Requests duplicate copy of his commission as captain of privateer N. S. Reneau.
*
John McDougall to State Department
Jan. 17 Inquires if there is any commissioner in Cuba authorized to issue letters of marque to Confederate citizens who desire to fit out privateers from the West Indies, etc.
*
J. B. Patton to State Department
Jan. 31 Desires to obtain some information in regard to privateering.
*
C. K. Marshall to State Department
Feb. 19 Wishes to ascertain if the European commissioner will be allowed to fill out blanks for letters of marque and reprisal granted in the Confederate States.
*
J. C. Francis, jr., et al. to Navy Department.
Mar. 6 Request information about fitting out a privateer, and letters of marque and reprisal.
*
State Department to J. M. West
Mar. 17 Gives information that letters of marque and reprisal can not be granted until privateer has been purchased and fitted out.
*
H. N. McCall to State Department
Mar. 27 Wishes to know if collector of New Orleans can give him a blank letter of marque for a bond of $10,000.
*
New Orleans, La., collector of, to State Department
Apr. 1 Transmits application of J. K. Scott for letters of marque and reprisal for propellor Pioneer.
*
J. Peals
May 20 Certificate of letters and dispatches being destroyed on S. S. Hero by James Peals.
*
L. R. Hill to Navy Department
July 22 Requests letters of marque and reprisal be granted for a small sailing vessel, to be fitted out in a foreign port.
*
W. R. Miles to the President
Sept. 4 Begs for a letter of marque in blank for T. Harrison Baker and incloses letter from hi concerning the fitting our of privateers.
*
N. S. Reneau to State Department
Sept. 6 Asks release of securities on bond for steamer General Reneau and incloses papers concerning same.
*
State Department to W. R. Miles
Sept. 6 Request of T. Harrison Baker for a letter of marque and reprisal in blank form, can not be granted.
*
W. R. Miles to the President
Sept. 7 Transmits a request from Thos. J. Moore for a letter of marque for schooner Dixie.
*
A. P. Chamberlain to State Department
Oct. 20 Requests letters of marque and reprisal for steamer Pelican and incloses bond.
*
T. B. Power to State Department
Oct. 24 Asks for letters of marque and reprisal for schooner Retribution and incloses bond.
*
A. P. Chamberlain to State Department.
Oct. 25 Requests letters of marque and reprisal for steamer Mocking Bird and incloses bond.
*
T. B. Power to State Department
Oct. 29 Prays that letters of marque and reprisal be issued for steamer Bonita and incloses bond.
*
Amos P. Chamberlain to State Department
Oct. 29 Prays that letters of marque and reprisal be issued for steamer Dove and incloses bond.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
Nov. 1 Transmits application of T. Harrison Baker for letters of marque and reprisal for steamer Rattlesnake and incloses request for same.
*
State Department to Charleston, S. C., collector of.
Nov. 6 Sends a letter of marque and reprisal for T. Harrison Baker, of steamer Rattlesnake, and 6 blank commissions, with instructions therefor.
*
B. Melchior to War Department
Nov. 24 Asks to be permitted to equip a privateer in behalf of the Confederate States, and desires a blank commission for the same.
*
Charleston, S. C., collector of, to State Department
Dec. 10 Transmits the register of commission for letters of marque and reprisal issued to steamer Rattlesnake, Capt. T. Harrison Baker.
*
B. Melchior to State Department
Dec. 27 Comments on the difficulties in the way of ships to be fitted out for privateers.
*
 1863.
C. de Montel to the President
Jan. 8 Desires letters of marque and reprisal for privateer Texas, and encloses bond.
*
Thos. Smith to State Department
Mar. 21 Desires a letter of marque and reprisal for a fast sailing schooner, to capture U. S. property in Chesapeake Bay.
*
J. M. Tindel to State Department
June 20 Wishes to take out letters of marque and reprisal for a privateer steamer called the Pioneer to be bought or built later on.
*
State Department to Jas. M. Tindel
June 27 Informs Mr. Tindel no letters of marque and reprisal can be issued to ships not actually in existence.
*
J. M. Tindel to State Department
July 1 Outlines plan to procure suitable vessels for men of war or privateers, which he hopes will be approved by the Government, enclosing details of same.
*
J. T. Gordon to State Department
July 21 Wished to fit out a privateer and asks for a copy of regulations for guidance of those obtaining letters of marque.
*
J. T. Gordon to State Department Aug. 1 Desires information with respect to the relative rights and duties of those who are duly commissioned to fit out privateers.
*
J. H. Edmonston to State Department
Aug. 5 Applies for a letter of marque and reprisal for steamer Charlotte Clark, and encloses bond for same.
*
J. T. Gordon to State Department
Aug. 5 Inquires whether letter of Aug. 1 concerning privateers has been received.
*
State Department to Jno. T. Gordon
Aug 13 Gives information and details in relation to privateers, for letters of marque and reprisal.
*
A. J. Grayson to the President
Aug. 21 Solicits letters of marque and reprisal for a steamer being built in San Fransisco, to prey upon enemy's commerce in the Pacific Ocean.
*
State Department to A. J. Grayson
Dec. 14 Replies to letter of Aug. 21, addressed to the President, and gives information regulating the issue of letters of marque and reprisal to privateers.
*
 1864.
W. G. Ford to Mobile, Ala., collector of.
Jan. 12 Desires a commission for privateer Gibralter.
*
State Departure. to Wade Keyes
Jan. 15 States that no commission can be sent abroad for privateers under regulations adopted by the President.
*
J. T. Gordon to State Department
Jan. 26
Wishes to obtain letters of marque and reprisal for a small vessel called Paul Jones.
*
O. T. Weems to State Department Jan. 26
Requests a certificate which show his commission from the President, to command the privateer Josephine.
*
Mobile, Ala., collector of, to State Department
Jan. 30 Transmits application and bond for a commission for privateer Josephine W. G. Ford, master.
*
M. W. de Boile to State Department
Feb. 12 Requests letters of marque and reprisal for schooner Stonewall Jackson, and encloses bond.
*
J. Samuel Jones to Navy Department
Apr. 25 Petitions that letters of marque and reprisal be granted for schooner Don Jones, and gives description of ship.
*
Mobile, Ala., collector of
May 4 Transmits application of W. G. Hartsfield for letters of marque and reprisal for schooner Rescue, and encloses bond.
*
END

Return to the Assorted Topics page

www.csnavy.org 2000