These were generally great packets trading to the Indies, whose cargoes were too valuable to be delayed until some man-of-war could be found for their protection.

They were heavily armed, often, indeed, equaling a frigate in their batteries and the size of their crews.

But, although to attack one of these meant a desperate fight, the Yankee privateer always welcomed the chance, for besides a valuable cargo, they were apt to carry a considerable sum in specie.

The capture of one of these vessels, too, was the cause of annoyance to the enemy disproportionate to even their great value to their captors, for they not only carried the Royal Mail, but were usually the agencies by which the dispatches of the British general were forwarded.

Mail and dispatches, alike, were promptly thrown overboard by their captors.
In the diary of a privateersman of Revolutionary days is to be found the story of the capture of an Indiaman which may well be reprinted as typical.
[Illustration: "I THINK SHE IS A HEAVY SHIP."] "As the fog cleared up, we perceived her to be a large ship under English colors, to the windward, standing athwart our starboard bow.