IN THE DAYS OF PRIVATEERING

Many early New York fortunes were founded on the
fine art of privateering. Privateering was a legalized
depredation by private parties against an enemy's mer¬
chant marine. There are various subtle distinctions in
the terms freebooting, piracy, buccaneering, sea-roving
and privateering that in the spacious days recorded be¬
low became so involved that it is sometimes hard to say
when one ended and the other began. Suffice it to say
that many of these fine distinctions were winked at by
the far from affluent colonies, and as the sailors engaged
in the practice were hardy, intrepid and enterprising fel¬
lows as well as fine seamen, it has been the general in¬
clination to cover their undoubted transgressions with a
mantle of charity.

New York, April 7.—Yesterday arrived liere Capt. Sem-
ple, in near 12 Weel;s from Madera, who informs us, that
4 Days ago he spoke with Capt. Tingley, and from whom
he also brought letters, giving an Account, that on the
26tli of February last, at 3 o'clock in the Morning, he took
out of 36 Sail and 3 IVIen of War, which he had dogged
for two Days before from Porto rico, a large French Ship
called the Rising Sun, of 22 Guns, and near 80 Men, bound
for Marseilles, with 1117 Hhds. of Sugar, 458 Casks of
Coffee, and other Goods on board, and 'twas thought some
Cash; he parted with her on Wednesday last in a Fog,
and was in quest of her when Capt. Semple met him; and
as the Prize had been a little disabled a few days before in
a hard Gale of Wind, he did not doubt but he should soon
find her, and proceed with her in here, where they are now
every Moment cx])cctcd.

New York, April 14.—Thursday Evening arrived here
the Privateer Ship Prince Charles, Capt. Tingley, with his
Prize mentioned in our last; which is reckon'd the largest
and deepest loaden Vessel of any brought into this Port
since the War; she has 22 fine new Guns, all 6 pounders,

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