Revolutionary War Prize Cases

The images taken from this microfilm publication, M162, are reproduced records of prize cases heard on appeal from Colonial and state courts by committees of the Continental Congress (1776-80) and by the Court of Appeals in Cases of Capture (1780-86). These records, frequently referred to as the Revolutionary War Prize cases, are in the custody of the Supreme Court of the United States, where they were deposited by an Act of Congress approved May 8, 1792.

The complete descriptive pamphlet for M162, published by NARA, is available here as a PDF file. A description of each case begins on page 16 and includes highlights and brief synopses. The cases are listed in numerical order.

Start with the menu title to browse the collection by state, then case name. If you know which vessel or case name you want to view, use the search box below the Revolutionary War Prize Cases - Captured Vessels menu.