29 F. Cas. 1315 | D. Mass. | 1858
This was a libel by Prank Smith, for a share of the proceeds of a wrhaling voyage, and also for damages for not being brought home. He originally shipped at Boston, as a seaman, at a lay of one thirty-fifth. During the voyage, he was appointed ship-keeper, and THE COURT, (SPRAGUE, District Judge,) was of opinion, that from that time he had a right to the lay of his predecessor, viz., one twenty-fifth. It appeared, that after the time for which the vessel had been originally fitted out. and after she had filled with oil, the master went into Fayal, and thence shipped his catchings home by another vessel, and there refitted his own vessel, and entered upon a farther whaling voyage. The libellant refused to go the second voyage, left the vessel, and returned to Boston. The court held, that he was justified in such refusal, and entitled to an indemnity for not being brought home, by the return of the vessel, according to the original contract. An assessor was appointed, by order of court, giving him instructions, which show the opinion of the court, in what manner the lay should be calculated, and the indemnity ascertained. The instructions were, to calculate the libellant’s lay from the commencement of the voyage to the 6th of May, 1857, at a lay of one thirty-fifth, and from the last date to the time when the libellant arrived at Boston, at a lay of one twenty-fifth, giving him such proportion of one thirty-fifth