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Civil War Prize Case

The Peterhoff. Argument of E. Delafield Smith, United States District Attorney, Addressed to the United States Court at New York, in the case of the Prize Steamer Peterhoff, July 10, 1863. Printed for use of the Court, from a stenographic report by A. F. Warburton, Esq., and revised by the District Attorney. New York: John W. Amerman, 1863. 25 pp. Printed wrappers. Spine taped with tape repair on back cover; otherwise, very good. The Peterhoff cleared London on January 5, 1863, ostensibly for Matamoras, Mexico, and put in at St. Thomas. On leaving that port, she was visited and captured by the United States steamer "Vanderbilt." The prize was taken to Key West and subsequently to New York where the ship and cargo were libeled on March 30. The claims and answers were filed on the 21st of April and the case proceeded to trial, the United States claiming that a very large percentage of cargo carried by the vessel was contraband "particularly adapted to army use." District Attorney Smith in his argument details the facts of the case and applies what he believes to be the relevant law applicable to blockade in wartime. A fascinating look at an aspect of Union naval action which contributed significantly to limiting the South's ability to wage war. Published in a small quantity for use of the court, this is a scarce item.

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