Mr. Reverdy Johnson: The Alabama Negotiations, and Their Just Repudiation by the Senate of the United States
New York: Baker & Godwin, 1869. First Edition. Original wraps. Octavo. 36 pages. Printed tan wraps over sewn binding. Light soil and a stray 19th century pen mark to rear cover, short closed edge tear to fore edge of front cover, some separation of covers at head of spine. Old vertical fold to pamphlet, else fine.
Very critical analysis of Reverdy Johnson's arguments and actions regarding the Alabama Claims. The Alabama Claims were a series of demands by the United States against Great Britain for damages caused by Confederate ships which the latter allowed to be built in British shipyards during the Civil War.
Reverdy Johnson of Maryland was appointed Minister to Great Britain by President Andrew Johnson, and in that capacity he argued AGAINST the United States having a basis for these claims. He maintained that Britain had not violated its neutrality, as it had no control over the actions of its private citizens who just so happened to have built warships for the Confederacy. Unsurprisingly, the U. S. Senate rejected Johnson's line of argument.
The Alabama Claims were ultimately settled in 1872 with Great Britain agreeing to pay $15.5 million in damages, setting a precedent for the peaceful resolution of international disputes through arbitration.
Item #1737
Price: $150