Johnston v. Mowatt

Citations

• 115 F. 844
• 1902 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 244

Syllabus

<p>Seamen — Imprisonment—Liability of Master for Damages.</p> <p>Libelants were seamen on board an American bark of which respondent was master, and while in Havana, during their term of service, refused to work longer. Respondent reported the matter to the captain of the port, who was a military officer of the United States, and requested permission to discharge the men. This was refused, and the captain of the port had the men taken on shore and imprisoned. On their return to the vessel one of them was placed in irons by the mate. Respondent was absent and it did not appear that the act was done by his orders. Shortly after his return such libelant was released. (Helé that, conceding the imprisonment in both instances to have been unlawful, there was no ground for holding respondent personally liable therefor.</p>