ROYAL NAVY
Letter of Marque Against
France, Spain and Denmark
To Sir Amoi, Prince of Buccaneers Commander of
the Free Spirited Captains, Greeting.
Whereas His Sacred Majesty GEORGE
by the Grace of GOD, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, KING,
Defender of the Faith, Etc. Is about to declare an Open War against
France, Spain, and Denmark, their Vassals and Subjects. And Forasmuch
as you have made Application unto Me for Licence to Arm, Furnish
and Equip the said Free Spirited Captains in Warlike manner, against
His Majesties said Enemies, I do accordingly Permit and Allow the
same; And, Reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty,
Courage and good Conduct, Do by these Presents, by Virtue of the
Powers and Authorities contained in Her Majesties Royal Commission
to Me granted, Impower and Commisionate you the said Sir Amoi, to
be Commander of the said Free Spirited Captains: Hereby Authorizing
you in and with the said Free Spirited Captains and Company to his
belonging, to War, Fight, Take, Kill, Suppress and Destroy, any
Pirates, Privateers, or other the Subjects and Vassals of France,
Spain or Denmark, the Declared Enemies of the Crown of England,
in what Place soever you shall happen to meet them; Their Ships,
Vessels and Goods, to take and make Prize of. And your said Free
Spirited Captains Company are Commanded to Obey you as their Captain:
And your self in the Execution of this Commission, to Observe and
Follow the Orders and Instructions herewith given you. And I do
hereby Request all Governors and Commanders in Chief, of any of
Her Majesties Territories, Islands, Provinces or Plantations, where
the said Captain or Commander shall arrive with his said Vessel
and Men: And all Admirals, Vice-Admirals and Commanders of Her Majesties
Ships of War, and others, that may happen to meet him at Sea; Also
all Officers and Subjects of the Friends or Allies of His said Sacred
Majesty, to permit him the said Captain or Commander with his said
Vessel, Men, and the Prizes that he may have taken, freely and quietly
to pass and repass, without giving or suffering him to receive any
Trouble or Hindrance, but on the contrary all Succour and Assistance
needful. And this Commission is to continue in Force for the Space
of Six Months next ensuing (if the War so long last) and not afterwards.
Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms at Dover the Thirteenth Day
of December: In the Forty Second Year of His said Majesties Reign,
Annoque Domini, 1802.
By His Excellencies Command,
Fleet Admiral H.z. Meyngray, OoG
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