This book chronicles the history of privateering and letters-of-marque in America. It details the origins, operations, and impact of these privately-owned armed vessels authorized by governments to attack enemy shipping. The work likely covers significant periods of American history where such practices were prevalent, such as during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, examining the legal frameworks and the individuals involved.

The work is a historical account focusing on a specific aspect of maritime warfare. Its detailed approach suggests it is aimed at readers interested in naval history and the legalities of private armed vessels. The subject matter points to a text that relies on historical records and potentially primary source documents to reconstruct the era of American privateering.