Liverpool and the Confederate States: Fraser Trenholm and company operations during the American civil war

Hughes, Francis

Abstract

This dissertation covers a brief history of Liverpool from the early days up to the start of the American Civil War. The importance of the American Cotton Trade is detailed. Events are then viewed during the war principally through the eyes of Fraser Trenholm and Company, the main bankers and depositories for the Confederate States in Europe. The very capable managing partner in Liverpool, Charles Kuhn Prioleau, also assisted the South with the vital purchases of ordnance, supplies, and warships which enabled the Confederacy to continue to resist the Federal Government. Details are given of some of the operations taking place during the American Civil War with particular emphasis on blockade running of the supplies for the South and the supply of ships and goods to its parent company, John Fraser and Company, operating out of Charleston S. C. The correspondence between Prioleau and his partner in Charleston, Theodore Dehon Wagner, gives insights not hitherto known of the activities of this and other companies.

Fraser Trenholm and other companies are compared for the first time to reveal just who were the most successful, both in size, number of runs through the blockade, and profitability.

The relations between Fraser Trenholm and the agents for the Confederacy are examined especially at the frenetic end of the war when creditors were baying for payment.

The connection between Fraser Trenholm and the Erlanger Loan flotation is examined and its benefits and liabilities reviewed.

Last but not least, the successful attempt by Prioleau and others in Liverpool to raise money for the relief of Southern Prisoners of War is revealed.

Citation

Hughes, F. (1996). Liverpool and the Confederate States: Fraser Trenholm and company operations during the American civil war. (Thesis). Keele University. https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1192362

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Online Publication Date: Apr 3, 2025
• Deposit Date: Apr 3, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 3, 2025
• Keywords: Department of American Studies
• Public URL: https://keele-repository.worktribe.com/output/1192362
• Award Date: 1996