Extracts from the Journals of Congress, Relative to the Capture and Condemnation of Prizes, and the Fitting out Privateers; together with the Rules and Regulations of the Navy, and Instructions to the Commanders of Private Ships of War. Philadelphia: John Dunlap, 1776. [2], 45 pp. 8vo (193 x 115 mm). Modern half blue morocco over cloth, spine lettered in gilt. Without final blank, a few stray spots, but generally clean, light shelfwear.

First edition. The United States Navy was officially established on October 13, 1775, but had few ships during the Revolutionary War, most of which were captured or sunk. Far more successful were the privateers. Congress issued 1,697 letters of marque and commissions were also issued by individual states and by American agents in Europe and the Carribbean. This pamphlet, which includes congressional extracts dating from November 25, 1775 through April 3, 1776, contains rules and regulations for both privateers and the offical navy. We could find only one example at auction in the last century. Evans 15154; Sabin 15527.