King v. the Delaware Insurance Company

ERROR to the circuit court for the district of Pennsylvania, in an action of covenant upon a policy of insurance upon the freight of the Venus from Philadelphia, to the Isle of France. The vessel sailed early in December, 1807, before the British orders in council of the preceding November were known in the United States. On the afternoon of the 16th of January, 1808, while prosecuting her voyage, she was arrested by the British ship of war Wanderer, by whom she was detained until the morning of the 18th, when she was restored to the captain, her pape being first endorsed with these words, 'Ship Venus warned off the 18th of January, 1808, by his majesty's ship Wanderer, from proceeding to any port in possession of his majesty's enemies.' 'Edward Medley, 2d Lieut.' The captain was verbally informed by an officer of the Wanderer, that the Isle of France was blockaded, and that the Venus would be a good prize if she proceeded thither.