Court Opinion

ID: 6408754
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-06-25 11:50:59.549297+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T15:51:18.057611
License: Public Domain

Hubbard, J.
The testimony of the pilot was ob]ected to *283on the ground that his duties and powers are fixed by law, and are not the subject of parol evidence. And as a general rule, where duties are defined and fixed by statute, or by written rules or regulations, parol evidence is not admissible to control or vary them; upon the like principle that parol evidence is not admissible to vary a written contract. How far the duties of a pilot are prescribed by statute, or by written regulations, we think not necessary now to be inquired into ; because, in this case, the testimony of the pilot related to what he did in reference to the movements of the ship, and from whom he received his directions, and not as to what his duties were, nor as to any conflict between his duties and those of the master. Under this view of the evidence offered, we think it was properly admitted.
The plaintiff further contended, that the defendant, being captain of the ship, was, in law, conclusively liable, in his' character as master, for trespasses like the one committed upon the plaintiff. But the court ruled that the presumption of law was, that the captain was liable, but that this presumption was subject to be controlled by evidence, and therefore that the question, who actually had control of the ship, was a question of fact to be passed upon by the jury.
In support of the exception taken to this ruling, it is argued that the master’s duties and liabilities are fixed by law ; that he has the absolute control and government of the ship, in respect to the time of her sailing; of the management of her during the voyage; and that he has the right to direct who shall come on board, and who shall leave the vessel; and that he is liable also for losses which occur while the pilot is on board.
The facts show that, at the time of the commencement of the trespass complained of, the ship was in the home port, lying at the wharf, in the presence of the owner, who was acting and directing as to her actual sailing.
As to the general rights and duties of the master of a ship, it is very clear that he is, as his name imports, the commander of the vessel and of her crew, and has certain qualified right» *284over the passengers who may be on board; that it is for him to direct as to the sailing and management of the ship, during the voyage for which he is appointed master, and that he is liable for injuries and losses arising from any neglect or abuse of his powers.
There is a point of time when the master’s rights and duties, as to the absolute control of the vessel, may be said to be vested in him; and this point of time, we are of opinion, commences, in the absence of positive agreement, on the sailing of the ship for the intended voyage. While she remains in the home port, and up to the time of her actual sailing, she is under the control and disposition of the owner, who is alone authorized to direct as to the time of her sailing. The vessel is his property, is in his possession, is subject to his direction, and under his control; and while thus remaining within his possession, the master’s authority is subordinate, and he is to be governed by the owner, as to the time of the sailing of the ship. It was therefore properly submitted to the jury to determine under whose control and direction the ship in fact was, at the time when the alleged trespass was committed.
Again; it is argued, that the question of reasonable diligence ought not to have been submitted to the jury, but should have been determined by the court; on the ground that due diligence is a question of law. And Benton v. Sutton, 1 Bos. & Pul. 28, and Wright v. Court, 4 Barn. & Cres. 596, were cited as authorities to this point. The question of reasonable diligence, in relation to a given subject, is often one of difficulty, until, from the frequent recurrence of similar facts, in the trial of causes, a settled rule of law is established ; as in questions of notice upon bills of exchange and promissory notes. Lord Mansfield held that “ what is reasonable notice is partly a question of fact and partly a question of law. It may depend,” he said, “ in some measure on facts; such as the distance at which the parties live from each other, the course of the post, &c. But wherever a rule can be laid down with respect to this reasonableness, that *285should be decided by the court, and adhered to by every one, for the sake of certainty.” Tindal v. Brown, 1 T. R. 168. So also as to contracts where something is to be performed and the contract is silent on the subject, what is a reasonable time for its performance is held to be matter of law. Attwood v. Clark, 2 Greenl. 249. And so where the facts are agreed, reasonable time is matter of law. But where the facts are controverted, and the motives of the parties are involved in the question, there reasonable time is a question for the jury. Hill v. Hobart, 4 Shepley, 164. Ellis v. Thompson, 3 Mees. & Welsb. 445. In the case at bar, the facts were in dispute, and the conduct of the several parties was to bt considered; and we are of opinion that the question of th< plaintiff’s negligence, under all the circumstances in evidence was properly submitted to the jury.
It is further argued, that the plaintiff, being lawfully on board the ship, the carrying of him away was a trespass, though he had not used due diligence in getting on shore. But we think it very clear that, as he went on board the ship, for a particular purpose, at the very time when she was about to. leave the wharf, and as he had, in common with others, repeated notice that her fasts were about to be cast off, and that pérsons not belonging to the ship should quit her; and it being proved that the plaintiff was guilty of negligence in regard to it, when he had sufficient time to leave the ship, after performing his duty, it follows that no fault attached to the defendant, and he cannot be charged as a trespasser in sailing with the plaintiff on board.
It is also argued that the court erred in putting the question to the jury, as to the grounds of their verdict, and receiving their answer; or if not, yet if the judge’s ruling was wrong on any point, the finding of the jury is not conclusive, as a part of them may have found for the defendant on one ground, and a part on the other. _
It does not appear at whose request the inquiry was made of the jury, or whether it was on the mere motion of the judge. But we are of opinion that such inquiries on the part *286of the judge are not matter of exception, but that it is within his discretion to make inquiry of the jury upon what facts their verdict was founded; as where distinct facts are put in issue, an inquiry may be made for the purpose of correctly slating the questions of law, if any should arise in the case ; or for the purpose of terminating the case, if the particular facts found are conclusive as to the matter in issue between the parties.
In the case at bar, we are of opinion that all the directions of the presiding judge were correct, and that the inquiry of the jury, as to the grounds of their verdict, is not open to objection. ■ A supposition was made, that a part of the jury may have decided upon one ground,and a part upon another; but we cannot assume such a fact, nor do the facts, as stated, give rise to the presumption.

Exceptions overruled