Privateer During the War of Independence 1779 Official Admiralty Printed Document with manuscript annotations that “Richard Arbuckle belonging to the Terrible Private Ship of War do Constitute my sister in law My true and Lawfull Attorney all Prize Money” etc. With 1/6d revenue stamp top left. Signed by Richard Arbuckle and Samuel Ayres (Captain of the ship), size 19 x 31cm approx. with red wax stamped seal, in good, clean condition. Note: Privateers were armed merchant vessels licensed by the State to seek out enemy merchant ships to capture and bring into a friendly port. Once the Admiralty declared the capture, a prize, the ship and contents would be sold and the proceeds distributed amongst the victorious crew. The Terrible was evidently successful; on page three there is a receipt for ‘two pounds two shillings in part of prize money’