PBA Galleries

Autograph letter signed by James E. Jouett. 27.5x20.4 cm (11x8").

Lt. Commander James Jouett, captain of the U.S. Steamer "Metacomet", writes to a lawyer in Philadelphia to assist in the sale and distribution of proceeds of the blockade-runner "Susanna" which the Metacomet had captured. The blockade of the southern states during the Civil War was financially lucrative both for the blockade runners (if successful in evading capture), and the U.S. naval bent on their capture. When captured, the ships were sailed to a Union port, and sold at auction, the proceeds divided between the officers and crew of the capturing ship. The present letter reveals the commercial aspect of the otherwise patriotic enterprise: "My dear Goforth. Will you please consider yourself appointed to say to the Court the captors of the blockade running steamer 'Susanna' desire you to act as their Counsel. A speedy adjustment of the case will insure other vessels being sent to your Port. The long delays in the payment of the 'Donegal' or at least the cargo, seriously injures the reputation of your Port. Boston has no delays..." The 'Donegal' was a blockade runner previously captured by Jouett.