are a kind of private men of war, the persons concerned wherein administer at their own costs a part of a war, by fitting out these ships of force, and providing them with all military stores; and they have, instead of pay, leave to keep what they take from the enemy, allowing the admiral his share, &c.

Privateers may not attempt any thing against the laws of nations; as to assault an enemy in a port or haven, under the protection of any prince or republic, whether he be friend, ally, or neuter; for the peace of such places must be inviolably kept; therefore, by a treaty made by King William and the States of Hol- land, before a commission shall be granted to any pri- vateer, the commander is to give security, if the ship be not above 150 tons, in 1500l. and if the ship ex- ceeds that burden, in 3000l. that they will make sa- tisfaction for all damages which they shall commit in their courses at sea, contrary to the treaties with that state, on pain of forfeiting their commissions; and the ship is made liable.

Besides these private commissions, there are special commissions for privateers, granted to commanders of ships, &c. who take pay; who are under a marine discipline; and if they do not obey their orders, may be punished with death; and the wars in later ages have given occasion to princes to issue these commis- sions, to annoy the enemies in their commerce, and hinder such supplies as might strengthen them or lengthen out the war; and likewise to prevent the se- paration of ships of greater force from their fleets or squadrons.

Ships taken by privateers were to be divided into five parts; four parts whereof to go to the persons interest- ed in the privateer, and the fifth to his majesty: and as a farther encouragement, privateers, &c. destroying any French man of war or privateer, shall receive, for every piece of ordnance in the ship so taken, 10l. re- ward, &c.

By a particular statute lately made, the lord admiral, or commissioners of the admiralty, may grant commis- sions to commanders of privateers, for taking ships, &c., which being adjudged prize, and the tenth part paid to the admiral, &c. wholly belong to the owners of the privateers and the captors, in proportions agreed on be- tween themselves.