Legal pirates. That's what privateers really were. Private ship owners could buy an official license from the government at times of war. To harass the known enemy. While 'accidentally' taking other prizes as well. Only the fastest vessels would do, light and nimble ships, simple armament. Speed and surprise were key elements of privateer tactics. The well named 'Dapper Tom' is one of the most elegant Baltimore Schooners ever built.
During the early 19th century, many Baltimore clippers were granted privateering licenses by the US government. Since all commerce was subject to the legalized banditry of privateers, only a fast, well handled ship could be reasonably sure of reaching its destination. Privateers like the Dapper Tom depended on their sailing abilities and fire power to prey on foreign shipping and to escape the British men-of-war patrolling the high seas.
The Dapper Tom, an 8-gun topsail schooner, is to great extent, typical of Baltimore Privateers of a stormy decade when ships were at the mercy of any stranger, and even armed ships were safe only in proportion to their nimbleness.
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