James Crooks

The owner of the Lord Nelson, James Crooks, was upset at the loss of his schooner. He immediately went to Sackets Harbor to reclaim his ship, asserting that she was taken before the official declaration of war, and therefore could not be confiscated. However, in spite of his attempts the Lord Nelson became part of the American fleet.

After the War, Crooks again laid claim for losses to the enemy. On October 24, 1815, he claimed "For a new schooner, burthen about fifty tons, called the Lord Nelson...", and although the U.S. pronounced the seizure illegal on July 11, 1817, Crooks had still not been paid.

Legal pressure continued with Crooks' heirs and it was not until 1927 that the United States government agreed to pay the Canadian government $23,644.38 ($15,546.63 after deduction of legal expenses) to be divided among 25 beneficiaries.

 

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