| U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Southern New York | Oct 30, 1865
The main point in the defence is, that there was no contract of affreightment made on behalf of the vessel, but, on the contrary, that it was a contract of hire by the libellants, of the vessel and her crew, she to be navigated by them, and on their own responsibility. The contract was made between Hedenberg, the owner and claimant, and an agent of the libel-lants. Both of them were examined before the court below, the one sustaining the contract, as one for freight in the usual way, and the other the hiring of vessel and her crew, she to be under the exclusive control and pi-lotage of the agent of the libellants. There are some corroborating facts and circumstances tending to support each of these conflicting views of the transaction. All the witnesses were examined before the court, and, as the case turn§ very much upon the weight to be given to the witnesses, and the question is simply one of fact, I would not disturb the finding, even if i differed with the court. But I am inclined to think, on the proofs, as they appear on paper, that the finding was according to the weight of testimony and the attending circumstances, and must, therefore, affirm the decree.
A point is made upon the damages. The iron cost $2,050. The libellants, after notifying the claimant that they would hold him responsible for it, and that, if he did not get it up and deliver it, they would do so at his expense, raised it, after his refusal, at an expense, according to the proofs and the report of the commissioner, of $671.22, including interest, for which a decree, with costs, has been rendered. 1 see no valid objection to this assessment. The items appear fair and reasonable, and make up the loss which the libellants have sustained by the nondelivery of the iron under the contract. Decree affirmed.