Subject
Blockade Books
Best books
James Sprunt
Derelicts: An Account of Ships Lost at Sea in General Commercial Traffic And a Brief History of Blockade Runners Stranded Along the North Carolina Coast, 1861-1865
"Derelicts: An Account of Ships Lost at Sea in General Commercial Traffic" by James Sprunt is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work discusses the fate of numerous vessels that were abandoned at sea, particularly during the American Civil War, detailing blockade runners and other ships lost along the North Carolina coast. It captures the narrative of their journeys, the challenges they faced, and the broader implications of maritime navigation during a turbulent period in U.S. history. The opening of the book sets the stage by introducing the author's long-standing interest in the stories of derelict ships and the blockade runners that encountered various fates during the Civil War. Sprunt reflects on episodes from his own life, including his role as a paymaster on some of these ships, conveying a deep sense of nostalgia and urgency to document these stories before they fade from memory. He establishes that many of these derelict ships still hold their secrets, and introduces the term "derelict" within a legal context, while describing the dangers they pose to maritime traffic. The beginning of the book combines personal recollections, historical insights, and vivid imagery of life at sea, drawing readers into the perilous world of nautical adventures amidst the backdrop of war.
Francis Taylor Piggott
The neutral merchant in relation to the law of contraband of war and blockade under the order in Council of 11th March, 1915
"The Neutral Merchant" by Francis Taylor Piggott is a discussion on the principles of international law concerning neutrality, contraband, and blockade, written in the early 20th century. The work is rooted in the context of World War I, addressing the implications of British policies regarding neutral merchants amid the conflict and their interactions with both belligerent nations, particularly the United States and Germany. The central theme revolves around the rights and duties of neutral merchants and the extent to which their commerce can be regulated by belligerent actions. The opening of the work serves primarily as an introduction to the complex legal debates surrounding neutral trade during wartime. Piggott outlines the criticism directed towards the British Order in Council issued in March 1915, which aimed to respond to the German submarine threat by limiting neutral trade that could benefit the enemy. He elaborates on the various American protests against this Order, emphasizing the interplay between national interests, legal obligations, and the underlying moral considerations of warfare. Piggott's analysis sets the stage for further exploration of the intricate relationship between trade, law, and global power dynamics during wartime.
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