half to three
Young gentlemen , you have done something for your ship , and something for your country ; for every true American feels proud and happy when he learns that an American vessel has saved even a single shipwrecked mariner . I am sure your friends will be proud of you when they read your record for the last twenty-four hours . `` According to maritime law , young gentlemen , you are entitled to salvage upon the vessel you have saved . Under ordinary circumstances , you would be justified in claiming from one half to three fourths of the value of this vessel . The galiot , I am informed , was not insured . The value of the vessel and cargo is perhaps four or five thousand dollars . I have no doubt the court would give you what would amount to two or three thousand dollars , at least ; for without assistance the vessel would probably have been a total loss .