Trial of William Smith

At the beginning of the Civil War on July 6, 1861 the Confederate privateer Jeff Davis captured the Boston ship Enchantress, loaded with $13,000 worth of cargo off the coast of Delaware.  It was recovered by the Albatross near Hatteras Island, North Carolina.  The 14 crew members were sent to prison on charges of piracy.  All 14 defendents were found guilty and received death sentences, however the sentences were not carried out.  In February of 1862 the prisoners were re-classified as prisoners of war rather than criminals and were released or exchanged.**

References:
Tucker, Spencer C. The Civil War Naval Encyclopedia, Volume 1. Accessed 3/26/12.

Piracy Trials
Trial of William Smith