In early 1862, Prioleau hired an architect and built a large town house at 19 Abercromby Square, Liverpool, incorporating many of South Carolina's classic architectural styles.

[3] When the Civil War broke out the south had very little manufacturing potential and subsequently was in desperate need of arms, military ordnance and other supplies which it could not acquire from the industrialized north, now an enemy of the Confederate States.

Subsequently the Confederates looked to foreign sources to meet their enormous military needs, and turned to two firms in England who were already selling arms to a number of different countries.

The Confederacy deposited large amounts of funds with Prioleau's company with which the firm arranged for and financed the purchase of arms, ammunition, ships and other supplies for the Confederate war effort.

As the resident partner of Fraser, Trenholm and Company, aware of Bulloch's situation and the need for prompt action, Prioleau graciously received him and extended his trust.

Prioleau also assumed the financial responsibility of a large order of arms Major Caleb Huse had made, who was also limited on existing funds.

[3][1] While in England, Prioleau purchased a modern rifled cannon and had it directly sent to General Beauregard to be used in Charleston against Fort Sumter, on April 12, 1861.