Proceedings of a General Naval Court Martial Convened at Navy Yard, Boston, Mass., June 16, 1857 by Virtue of an Order from the Secretary of the Navy
Charlestown: Printed by C. Rand & Co, 1857.
Only edition. 33 pp, in original printed wrappers. Chipping, wrappers partially detached from spine, tape repairs to verso of front wrapper; good. Scarce pamphlet, apparently published by the accused for the purpose of clearing his good name. Thomas M. Crossan (1819-1865) was a career naval officer for 21 years, 12 of which were spent mostly at sea. He saw active service during the Mexican War. In June 1857 he was accused by a superior officer of being drunk while on duty. This pamphlet includes the proceedings of the resulting court martial, in which he was acquitted, as well as an introduction in which he criticizes the court martial process in general, arguing that it allows for abuses of power. Two copies located in OCLC, at the Navy Department Library and the Massachusetts State Library.
Item #20778
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