[DiogenesLamp]

Since that boat was built and finished in 1860, and placed in service of the confederacy, it was never used in any trading capacity. Using it as an example of commercial shipping is a canard.

I don't think BroJoeK is terribly concerned about what is actually the truth. It only has to be "close enough" to suit his needs.

[BroJoeK]

PeaRidge: "Since that boat was built and finished in 1860, and placed in service of the confederacy, it was never used in any trading capacity.
Using it as an example of commercial shipping is a canard."

DiogenesLamp: "I don't think BroJoeK is terribly concerned about what is actually the truth.
It only has to be "close enough" to suit his needs. "

In fact, there's no reason to suppose SS Planter did not serve its intended purpose in 1860 and 1861, before the war.
The photo we have is identified as possibly from that period.
So SS Planter -- built, owned & operated by South Carolinians -- puts the lie to DiogenesLamps' claim that all Southern shipping was under the iron thumb of New Yorkers.
It wasn't.

[PeaRidge]

Pardon the delay in getting back to you.

All this talk about the CSS Planter is essentially straw-man argumentation. The presence of one flat bottom ship that could be used for short haul trade service has no impact on the major issue of transcontinental trade.

Your point that the trade was dominated by Northern companies is exactly correct. That dominance began with laws restricting trade practice and financial contracts which rewarded established as well as new companies in New York City.