Quote Originally Posted by David Merrill View Post
Thank you!

I was wondering that on and off, over the last few days' postings. The Charter and other docs speak of acquiring some of the spoils if engaging "the enemy". - Without actually naming the enemy. So I presume whoever was enemy in commerce with the Dutch and British - most of the time the Portuguese. But I was wondering actually about the ambiguity and fog caused by the sluggish medium and unreliable word of mouth about what treaties might be in effect, and what alliances are in good order or sullied etc.
"Enemies" can also be those who undermine your business i.e. smugglers, boycotters, et al.

On another note, another facet of companies such as those was privateering.