Letter of marque

A letter of marque, alternatively called a letter of marque and reprisal, represented the formal agreement under which a privateer captain was authorized to act on behalf of a governing body. This agreement meticulously outlined the regulations, stipulations, and limitations governing their association, alongside the specific entitlements and advantages afforded to both the privateer and the entity employing them.

During the era of the Galactic Civil War, the Alliance to Restore the Republic extensively utilized this mechanism to enlist the services of numerous privateers. The authority to issue letters of marque was vested in several high-ranking officials, notably including the Alliance Chief of State Mon Mothma and her Chief of Staff, as well as the Supreme Commanders overseeing Fleet Commanders-in-Chief, Ordnance and Supply, and Sector Command. An illustrative example of such a formal document is the one granted to Chaeloe Dantin by OaS Supreme Commander Ral'Rai Muvunc:

Let it be known that Chaeloe Dantin, the proprietor of the privately-owned vessel Dantin's Folly, is hereby recognized by the Alliance to Restore the Republic and granted the authority to execute raids against the Imperial government, its associated entities, and its supporters. This authorization extends to the capture of cargo, assets, and vessels belonging to these entities, with the explicit requirement to deliver said captures to the Alliance. Furthermore, she is authorized to apprehend officers serving within the Imperial military, government, and those providing support. She is also expected and empowered to actively prosecute the war against the Empire to the best of her ability, ensuring at all times that innocent civilians are not endangered and that unwarranted damage to property is avoided. The owner is obligated to submit all proceeds derived from these activities for review by the Alliance. In return, she shall be awarded 50 percent of the assessed value of said proceeds. Additionally, the Alliance will provide pre-determined rewards for the verified destruction of Imperial assets. In consideration of these services, the Alliance pledges to furnish such assistance as it is able, contingent upon availability and at its discretion. This assistance may encompass shelter, intelligence, repairs, supplies, and fuel. Those members of the crew who were previously considered criminals are hereby granted amnesty, conditional upon their continued service to our cause, or until the Empire is vanquished, and provided they refrain from committing further offenses. Should they violate these terms, they will be subject to all applicable charges and immediately imprisoned. All enslaved individuals encountered during the course of duty shall be liberated, and all illegal substances shall be destroyed. The Alliance retains the option to purchase entire cargo shipments as deemed necessary. This letter shall remain valid for a period of one year from the date of its issuance, at which time it will be subject to review. Should either party find the terms unsatisfactory, the agreement may be terminated. The Alliance reserves the prerogative to assign observers to the ship for the purpose of this review. Ral'Rai Muvunc Supreme Allied Commander Ordnance and Supply