Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1904-02-10

The January term of supreme court for
Hancock county adjourned last Thursday.
The tsrm stretched out longer than was
at first anticipated because of the length
OF what few trials were given to the jury,
each OF which occupied either a day and
. half or two days.
soPER AND MORGAN VS.. JOSEPH LETTER,
One of the most important cases which
Chief Justice Wisweli had to pass upon
was those OF Soper and Morgan vs. Joseph
liopaire.
This case was not before the jury, in
fact 1t did not come before the court, but
was settled by an auditor appointed at
the October term In 1908. The auditor
appointed was Clerk OF. Courts John F
Knowitop.
This was an action on the part Of Albert
l.. Morgan and George e. soper, both Bar
Hsrbor tradesmen, to recover the amount
Of two bills rendered to Joseph Letter for
goods delivered to the yacht Taurus 10
the summer OF 1902.
Mr.. Letter was under the impression
that he was being swindled, but did not
know inst where It was taking place,
whether at Bar Hsrbor or 1t New York.
He refused to settle the bilis. When he
appeared at Bar Harb Dor for the season OF
1883 he was arrested for debt, but promptly
gave bonds for his appearance at the
October term OF court for Hancock
county.
At the October term John r. Knowlton
was appointed auditor, and as such held
Q hearing at Ba, Hardor the first week OF
January, 1904. Mr.. Letter was not present
ct the hearing, bat was represented by
Charles Il. Wood, OF Bar HRrbor.
The plaintiffs claimed that on the ar
rival OF Mr.. Letters yacht at Bar Harbor
in the season OF 1902, the steward, Walter
Shute, ordered provisions to 4 large
amount, which we're to be delivered at the
yacht. They further claimed thst the
goods were sold and delivered upon the
representation that the defendant was In
control OF the yacht and would pay all
bills.
The defendant did not admit, but on
she contrary contested the claim OF
authority OF Shute to act as his agent, and
denied that he Was liable in any way for
the supplies furnished to the yacht.
1t was a long and tiresome hearing.
The defendant would admit nothing and
made the plaintiffs trove every point.
He would not even admit he was the
Joseph Letter that owned he yacht.
After the hearing the auditor made up
his report which was passed upon by
Chief. Justice Wisweli and fually ac-
copied by both parties. The muditor
found:
1. That Mr.. Walter Shute was the steward OF
the yacht Taurus, ard as such steward was
fully authorized TO contract for supplies for use
upon said yacht.
?. That Joseph Letter. the defendant. was in
control of the yacht during the time of the con-
tracing of the bin sued for In this action and
was liable for supplies furLi and delivered
board the Taurus.
5. That each of the articles charged In the
plaintirs' account annexed to the writ was de.
Iivered on board the yacht Taurus, excepting
one quart of cream, under date OF July 49, and
the charges OF peaches. plume. pears. and two
dozen bananas, under the date of August 8.
l. That each of the items delivered had a
uarlet value at Bar Harbor on the date pur
chased, said value being the price set opposite
each Item.
DIVORCES GRANTED.
Following Is the list OF divorces granted
at the January term:
William &. Roberts, Iibeilant, vs.. Annie