Some East Indiamen sailing under letters of marque carried larger crews and armament comparable to warships of their size. Their captains could capture prizes and act as designated convoy escorts where Royal Navy ships were unavailable. This answered the practical problem of trading in waters with weak or unreliable law enforcement. The comparison with piracy off Somalia and West Africa asks whether coastal governments have the stability, ships, and resources to protect commerce and sustain that protection.
Chapter · 15:24-18:26
Armed merchantmen, letters of marque, and convoy defense
East Indiamen carried weapons because they traded far beyond dependable protection and sometimes served as privateers or convoy escorts themselves.