Travels Through France And Italy

The narrative explores the lives of burghers, including merchants, shopkeepers, and artisans, who prospered during wartime by outfitting privateers. Many merchants amassed wealth through successful raids on English ships, despite the vigilance of cruisers. The text highlights the audacity of these privateers, who would disguise their vessels as fishing smacks to capture English coasters, often returning to Boulogne after numerous captures and imprisonments in England. The story captures the entrepreneurial spirit and risks taken by these individuals during the conflict.