Court Opinion

ID: 4926100
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2021-09-24 00:56:58.397913+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:14:20.654761
License: Public Domain

Weston J.
delivered the opinion of the Court, at the ensuing July term in Waldo.
Ship owners are answerable for repairs done, or supplies furnished for their ships, by order of the master ; he being their agent; and they receiving the benefit of such repairs or supplies. The defendant was the registered owner of the vessel, when the supplies in question were furnished. It appears however from the deposition of Joshua Staples, that at that time, the defendant held the vessel, as security for money due him from the said Joshua, and from Alexander Staples. They had a bond from the defendant for a bill of sale, whenever they paid the money, for which the vessel was pledged. Prior to these supplies, Alexander had relinquished all his interest to his brother Joshua. It further appears that the defendant never had the possession, management or direction of this vessel ; but at the time of the supplies, she was under the exclusive control of Joshua Staples. From these facts it is manifest, that the defendant was a mortgagee of the vessel, not in possession.
In Jackson v. Vernon, 1 H. Bl. 114, it was expressly decided, that a mortgagee of a ship not in possession, is not liable for supplies furnished to such ship. The master is not his agent. He does not appoint him ; nor does he receive the freight or earnings of the ship. This principle is fully supported by the cases cited for the defendant. The cases of Westerdell v. Dale, and of Marsh v. Robinson, cited for the plaintiff, turned upon the provisions of the English registry acts, wherein transfers of ships, or of any interest therein, are declared void; unless certain formalities prescribed are pursued. There is no corresponding provision in the act of Congress, concerning the registering and recording of ships or vessels. If the course required by our statute is not pursued, the transfer is not ¿hereupon void; but the vessel loses the character and privileg*476es of an American bottom. Hence, in this country, the register is not conclusive proof of ownership, and other evidence is admissible. • In later cases even in England, it has been held that notwithstanding the registry acts, which were passed for the security of the revenue, and to prevent foreign ship owners from enjoying the privileges of British subjects, the legal owner, or he who appears by the register to be such, is not liable for supplies directed by the master, if it appears that the latter was not his agent, nor the supplies furnished for his benefit. Young v. Brander, 8 East, 10; Frazer v. Marsh, 13 East, 238; McIver v. Humble, 16 East, 169; Briggs v. Wilkin 7 Barn & Cresw. 30.
There is another point taken in the defence. From the deposition of Joshua Staples, it appears that the supplies were furnished exclusively upon his credit, and upon hh special promise. This excludes the implied liability of the owner. But the case does not require the aid of this principle, the defence being sufficiently maintained upon the other' ground. The exceptions are overruled, and the nonsuit confirmed.

See Tucker v. Buffington, 15 Mass. 477.