Mart And Countermart

Summary of Mart And Countermart

letters patent (read this and related legal terms for further details) issued by governmental authority to vessel owners authorizing them to wage war upon national enemies and to derive profit from vessels or goods acquired from such enemies. The U.S. constitution authorizes Congress to commission such privateers through “letters of marque and reprisal.”In 1851 most maritime nations (excepting the United States) signed the Treaty of London, prohibiting issuance of letters of mart and countermart.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)