As the War of Independence begins, the transatlantic colonies begin courting continental powers as allies to further their ambitions against the crown. An unlikely candidate for such an undertaking became Prussia under its shrewd monarch, Frederick the Great. Citing correspondences from the likes of Benjamin Franklin, Hugh Elliot, and Friedrich von der Schulenburg, among others, Mr. Kapp brings to life the relationship between the two nations and the influence Frederick had on the early days of the budding Republic.

Originally written in 1871, this new translation also sheds light on the maritime law issues and their role in the relationships between the great powers of the time. With the great naval powers vying for supremacy on the high seas, maritime law was constantly changing to benefit them, and the smaller states and neutral powers were left behind. The evolution and humanization of maritime law is examined, as well as the roles of the United States and Prussia therein. Having travelled through America for decades, Mr. Kapp also gives us a firsthand account of the United States’ socio-political circumstances of his time as the nation was approaching a new chapter of its history after the conclusion of the American Civil War.