French corsairs now a small museum. French corsairs Corsairs () were privateers, authorized to conduct raids on shipping of a nation at war with France, on behalf of the French crown. Seized vessels and cargo were sold at auction, with the corsair captain entitled to a portion of the proceeds. Although not French Navy personnel, corsairs were considered legitimate combatants in France (and allied nations), provided the commanding officer of the vessel was in possession of a valid letter of marque ( or , the latter giving "corsairs" their name), and the officers and crew conducted themselves according to contemporary admiralty law.
David Jewett Quasi-War with France. Following fitting out, "Trumbull" departed New London, Connecticut in March 1800 under his command. Its first mission was to escort the provisions ship "Charlotte" from New York to the West Indies, replenishing the American Squadron operating against the French. "Trumbull" later joined the American Squadron commanded by Silas Talbot in the , where the main duties in the area were protection of American shipping and the interception of French privateers and merchantmen. Jewett was authorized as commander of the "Trumbull" to capture any vessel sailing under the flag of France. On April 24, 1800, it came upon