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Privateering enjoys a somewhat spotty historical reputation, being considered little more than state-sponsored pirates.  But there is no denying the importance of privateers to the cause of Independence, providing military supplies, foodstuffs. cash,  and merchantable goods  Continental treasury.  Privateers such as John Manley, Jonathan Haraden and Luke Ryan some of the first American maritime heroes, and event Continental Navy captains such as John Barry and Thomas Truxton also commanded privateers.  We hear their stories and more from  Eric Jay Dolin, author of  Rebels at Sea:  Privateering in the American Revolution. .