Letters of marque Piracy in the British Virgin Islands

this done , percentage given planters compensation. receipt showing taken each planter , rewarded still exists in england , copy held on tortola. piracy practised bvislanders during both 7 years war , american war of independence. during both of these conflicts, boost standing navy of british empire, letters of marque issued caribbean planters vessels became known privateers.

a letter of marque written permission private vessel arm , attack enemy shipping, condoned privateer s home government. once captured, enemy vessel subjected known vice court of admiralty, held on island privateer originated from. case on tortola, however, planters weren t choosing enemy vessels , attacking vessels neutral countries. these vessels in fact not @ war england, letter of marque became obsolete , act committed constituted piracy.

privateering

the british virgin islanders attacked enough neutral vessels have letters of marque , vice court of admiralty dissolved , weren t allowed privateering status again. last recorded episode of piracy in bvi took place late 1869 , involved vessel called telegrafo. vessel detained @ tortola on charges of piracy orders issued release governor because legal system unable deal such case.

the golden era of piracy part took place during first quarter of 18th century , has left legacy perpetuates rich , mysterious history of bvi.