First American edition (Shaw and Shoemaker 25063). An advertisement preceding the text intimates that this is the first American edition of this work. Advertisement, dedication, preface, index, appendix. Joseph Chitty (1776-1841) published a number of works on British law (DNB IV, 266-7), this one published in the context of the conflict between the United States and Great Britain brought on in part by the issues raised in this work. Also included extracts from a number of British legal scholars on the law of prizes. Advertisements of other legal works by the publisher follow text. Book label of Delaware statesman and Secretary of State John M. Clayton affixed to front pastedown; Clayton's ownership ink stamp showing his name ornately stamped on front free endpaper. Covers rubbed and scuffed at edges. Considerable foxing.