In this episode, we mark the return of the tall ships to Boston Harbor when Sail Boston kicks off on July 11. We’re also continuing the Revolutionary War theme that we keep coming back to in this year of 250th anniversaries. This time, however, I’m not talking about a specific anniversary date. Instead, I am going to play my interview with author Eric Jay Dolin about his 2022 book Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution. Back in November, we had an episode about the schooner Nancy that was commanded by the mysterious captain Manley. It was one of the very first ships of the Continental Navy, but especially early in the war, the American cause relied on private vessels and private crews. Some of the tall ships we see this month will be recreating these vessels, which were known as privateers. Privateers were civilian ships that were outfitted for war by optimistic investors, with volunteer crews who were willing to risk their lives fighting for a share of the profits. From the mouth of Boston Harbor to the very shores of Britain, these private warships sailed in search of rich English merchant vessels, while risking the lives and freedom of their crews. While their role is mostly forgotten today, Eric will explain how central privateer crews were to the Continental cause, with a special focus on the many privateers that were crewed by New Englanders.

Full show notes: http://HUBhistory.com/356/

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Rebels at Sea, Revisited

Eric Jay Dolin is the author of 17 books, including a history of the US China trade, a history of whaling, and an environmental history of Boston Harbor. His 2019 book Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History of America’s Most Notorious Pirates was a finalist for the Julia Ward Howe award and a featured pick at the Mass Historical Society. His 2022 book, Rebels at Sea (now in paperback!), which shines a spotlight on piracy’s more respectable cousin the privateer, is available for preorder now, and it will be in bookstores everywhere on May 31.

Find out more about Eric and his upcoming book events on his website, and follow him on Facebook for the latest news.