Bil R
Private
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2011
- Location
- Massachusetts
Hello Everyone,
Rumor has it that the National Archives is beginning to again respond to written inquiries. I have a couple of questions for the forum about where I should look for certain archival material:
1) Consider a commercial steamboat or steamship that sinks or is shipwrecked in accessible waters. The vessel is considered a complete loss and is insured. The insurer pays the claim and now the wrecked vessel becomes the property of the insurance company. The insurance company then sells salvage rights to a commercial salvage company or other parties, to recoup their loss. Where can I locate the register of sale of the wreck, or the title to the wreck? Would this under a state's legal authority or under Federal legal authority? Would this be under civil jurisdiction or maritime jurisdiction? Does anyone know which legal archives would contain such files?
2) Throughout the Civil War vessels were captured, assessed for value and then sold at public auction. Simultaneously claims were made for their capture with funds to be divided up among the claimants. Which legal branch adjudicated these claims from surveying the vessels, to handling their sales, and distributing the proceeds? Does anyone know which NA record group contain these cases and claims?
Many thanks in advance for any assistance...
All the best,
Bil
Rumor has it that the National Archives is beginning to again respond to written inquiries. I have a couple of questions for the forum about where I should look for certain archival material:
1) Consider a commercial steamboat or steamship that sinks or is shipwrecked in accessible waters. The vessel is considered a complete loss and is insured. The insurer pays the claim and now the wrecked vessel becomes the property of the insurance company. The insurance company then sells salvage rights to a commercial salvage company or other parties, to recoup their loss. Where can I locate the register of sale of the wreck, or the title to the wreck? Would this under a state's legal authority or under Federal legal authority? Would this be under civil jurisdiction or maritime jurisdiction? Does anyone know which legal archives would contain such files?
2) Throughout the Civil War vessels were captured, assessed for value and then sold at public auction. Simultaneously claims were made for their capture with funds to be divided up among the claimants. Which legal branch adjudicated these claims from surveying the vessels, to handling their sales, and distributing the proceeds? Does anyone know which NA record group contain these cases and claims?
Many thanks in advance for any assistance...
All the best,
Bil