6. Nest of Pirates

Privateering is a legal form of pirating.  Most Pirates started out their careers in government sponsored Privateering acts.  There they gained the necessary skills and knowledge to go independent, albeit illegal, to support themselves when conflicts ended.  The War of 1812 was a conflict that relied on Privateering for success.  

In the early 1800's, France and England, at war with one another, had set up supply blockades against each other.  As a neutral carrier, America’s merchant ships, caught in the blockades, would have all their goods confiscated.  In addition, the British kidnapped some 10,000 American men and "pressed" them to serve in the Royal Navy.  In June of 1812, the Americans became so angry about these issues that war was declared on England. At that point in history the United States Navy comprised of only 15 ships and desperately needed help.  

When news of the Declaration of War reached Baltimore ship owners began turning their ships into Privateers. These privately owned ships were given permission, under a letter of Marque, from the U.S. government, to attack and capture British ships and their cargo, to sell as Prize Ships, in large part funding the war.  

During the War of 1812, the British strongly disliked the shipbuilders at Fell’s Point, Baltimore. This Maryland port was home to 58 successful Privateer Vessels. These ship builders could be considered some of the first American Defense Contractors.  American Privateers captured or sank 1,700 British vessels -- 40 percent of those by the Privateers of Fell’s Point.  Fell’s Point was deemed to be nothing more than “A Nest of Pirates,” according to the British.

Fells Point Ships were called Baltimore Clippers.  Far in advance of its time, with a V-shaped hull and over 5000 square feet of sail, these fast, maneuverable vessels could sail closer to the wind than any ship of its time.  Thomas Kemp, a Fells Point shipbuilder, engineered, and built many of the famous Privateering Ships; Chasseur, Comet, Lynx and Rossie.  Exact duplicates of the Chasseur, now known as The Pride of Baltimore, and the Lynx still sail to this day and are available for charter rides.

At this stop please note the photograph of the Polly, one of the few photographs of an actual 1812 Privateer.  Also the desk from the wooden tall ship the U S S Ohio, a ship also involved in the War of 1812.  The U S S Ohio was the first naval ship named after a state.