Which cutter captured 10 prizes (war time capture of a ship and its cargo) during the Quasi-War?

Which cutter captured 10 prizes (war time capture of a ship and its cargo) during the Quasi-War?

• A. The Revenue Cutter Pickering
• B. The Revenue Cutter Eagle
• C. The Revenue Cutter Jefferson
• D. The Revenue Cutter Spencer

Answer: (A)

During the Quasi-War, the United States relied on the Revenue Cutter Service to patrol Atlantic trade routes and seize French privateers. A “prize” means a captured enemy ship and its cargo that is adjudicated by prize courts, with prize money awarded to the crew. The Pickering earned a reputation for prolific winning, capturing ten prizes—more than any other cutter in that conflict. This track record shows how revenue cutters directly contributed to wartime pressure on enemy shipping and helped build the young nation’s maritime capabilities. The other cutters were active as well but did not reach that total.

During the Quasi-War, the United States relied on the Revenue Cutter Service to patrol Atlantic trade routes and seize French privateers. A “prize” means a captured enemy ship and its cargo that is adjudicated by prize courts, with prize money awarded to the crew. The Pickering earned a reputation for prolific winning, capturing ten prizes—more than any other cutter in that conflict. This track record shows how revenue cutters directly contributed to wartime pressure on enemy shipping and helped build the young nation’s maritime capabilities. The other cutters were active as well but did not reach that total.