Case ID: dc_3/html/0649-02.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

John Harris, Appellant, v. William B. Nugent, Appellee.
    The maritime law does not apply to such boats as the Tyber steamboat, a ferry-boat running between Washington and Alexandria.
    The master of such a boat is not personally liable for the wages of the hands.
    Appeal from the judgment of a justice of the peace, for the wages of Nugent, on board “ The Tyber” steamboat, a ferryboat, or packet, running between Washington and Alexandria. Nugent was the plaintiff below. The evidence which he relied upon was the following paper:
    “ Shipped W. A. B. Nugent, May 6, 1829, on board the Tyber steamboat, at twenty-two dollars per month. For the steamboat Tyber, John Harris.”
    And parol evidence that Harris was the master of the boat; but had been dismissed before suit brought.
    The justice had given judgment only for the amount of wages up to the time when the master was dismissed.
   The Court (nem. con.) reversed the judgment; being of opinion that it was not a, personal engagement by Harris, and that the maritime law did not apply to such boats, so employed.