Warley's letters of marque and convoy firepower

Warley combined a warship-like hull and paint scheme with substantial guns. Her first letter of marque, associated with the 1797 voyage, lists thirty-four 18-pounders and twelve 6-pounders. A second lists thirty-two 18-pounders and twelve 6-pounders; that later fit is suggested as the probable armament for her fourth voyage in 1804. A letter of marque authorized privateering and prize-taking, and ships undertaking that role tended to carry more men. Such East Indiamen could escort their own convoys when the Royal Navy could not provide enough ships. Their 18-pounders were of the same calibre used on Calcutta's lower deck after naval conversion.