The Hardy
1. That a contract by which a steamboat navigating the public inland waters of the United States, engages, in consideration of freights to be earned, to carry for the libellant certain goods, and collect from the consignee the freight money and all charges, advances, and insurance on the goods, together with the price thereof, and after deducting the freight money, to pay to the libellant the balance, is not unusual in its character, and is essentially a contract for a maritime service, of which the district court has jurisdiction in admiralty, in a proceeding in rem against the boat.
2. That such a contract is within the scope of the master’s employment, and is binding upon the owners and the vessel, in favor of a shipper who has no knowledge that the boat was at the time chartered by parties to be run for their own use and benefit.
See Monteith v. Kirkpatrick [Case No. 9,721]. Criteria of admiralty jurisdiction as to torts and contracts; Ins. Co. v. Dunham, 11 Wall. [78 U. S.] 1; The Mollie Dozier,