AMERICA:

Report of the Proceedings of a Court of Inquiry... into the Loss of the U.S.S. Maine. In the Harbor of Havana, Cuba, on the night of February [15th, 1898]. Convened on board the United States Light-house tender Mangrove by virtue of a Precept signed by Rear-Admiral Montgomery Sicard.

Washington, 1898. 8vo, 307, (1) pp, with 20 black and white illustrations - 19 photographic - and 2 folding charts, first and last leaf browned, bookplate and cancelled ink stamp of the Reform Club, also a later bookplate to fly leaf, bound in later navy blue buckram. Preceded by a three page message from President McKinley, this report's conclusion that the Maine's destruction was caused by a naval mine greatly influenced public opinion and precipitated the Spanish-American war. More modern authorities have questioned this finding, preferring the explanation that a coal bunker ignited. An important historical and Naval document. Item #11294

Price: £60.00